Photo-induced cataphoretic isotope separation. Progress report, June 15, 1976--June 14, 1977. [Monoisotope light sources]

Technical Report · Tue Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1977

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7293012· OSTI ID:7293012

Carruthers, J. A.; Chanin, L. M.; Oskam, H. J.

Initial results of studies of the feasibility of radiation-induced cataphoretic segregation of isotopes are summarized. More detailed feasibility calculations show that significant isotope separation efficiencies can be obtained for discharges at low pressure. This may make it desirable to use a buffer gas in the discharge in order to manipulate the electron energy distribution. Requirements for the properties of the buffer gas have been established. The experimental system for studying laser-induced cataphoretic separation of neon isotopes has been completed. Preliminary studies show that the system is capable of detecting less than 1% change in the Ne/sup 20//Ne/sup 22/ isotope ratio. It is anticipated that a systematic study can be made with respect to the photo-induced isotope separation efficiency in about three months. The other experimental system relates to the separation of mercury isotopes in a direct current gaseous discharge using radiation from external monoisotopic mercury light sources. Initial experimental feasibility studies of this technique are expected to be started after about three months. The ultra-high vacuum and gas handling system has been completed.

• Research Organization: Minnesota Univ., Minneapolis (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7293012
• Report Number(s): COO-2961-1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
400203* -- Isotope Exchange & Isotope Separation-- (-1987)
ELECTRON TUBES
ELECTROPHORESIS
ENERGY LEVELS
EXCITED STATES
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
GAS DISCHARGE TUBES
IONIZATION
ISOTOPE SEPARATION
LASER ISOTOPE SEPARATION
MERCURY ISOTOPES
NEON ISOTOPES
PHOTOIONIZATION
SEPARATION PROCESSES