Photochemical isotope separation

Patent · Tue Apr 28 04:00:00 EDT 1987

OSTI ID:7147854

Robinson, C P; Jensen, R J; Cotter, T P; Greiner, N R; Boyer, K

A process is described for separating isotopes by selective excitation of isotopic species of a volatile compound by tuned laser light. A highly cooled gas of the volatile compound is produced in which the isotopic shift is sharpened and defined. Before substantial condensation occurs, the cooled gas is irradiated with laser light precisely tuned to a desired wavelength to selectively excite a particular isotopic species in the cooled gas. The laser light may impart sufficient energy to the excited species to cause it to undergo photochemical reaction or even to photoionize. Alternatively, a two-photon irradiation may be applied to the cooled gas to induce photochemical reaction or photoionization. The process is particularly applicable to the separation of isotopes of uranium and plutonium. 8 figs.

• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
• Patent Number(s): A; US 4661221
• Application Number: PPN: US 6-815186
• OSTI ID: 7147854
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
400202* -- Isotope Effects
Isotope Exchange
& Isotope Separation
ACTINIDE ISOTOPES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
IONIZATION
ISOTOPE SEPARATION
ISOTOPES
LASER ISOTOPE SEPARATION
LASER RADIATION
PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTIONS
PHOTOIONIZATION
PLUTONIUM ISOTOPES
RADIATIONS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
TUNING
URANIUM ISOTOPES