Isotope separation apparatus and method

Patent · Tue Dec 28 00:00:00 EST 1982

OSTI ID:864454

Cotter, Theodore P ^[1]

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1. Los Alamos, NM

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for laser isotope separation by photodeflection. A molecular beam comprising at least two isotopes to be separated intersects, preferable substantially perpendicular to one broad side of the molecular beam, with a laser beam traveling in a first direction. The laser beam is reflected back through the molecular beam, preferably in a second direction essentially opposite to the first direction. The laser beam comprises .pi.-pulses of a selected wavelength which excite unexcited molecules, or cause stimulated emission of excited molecules of one of the isotopes. Excitation caused by first direction .pi.-pulses moves molecules of the isotope excited thereby in the first direction. Stimulated emission of excited molecules of the isotope is brought about by returning .pi.-pulses traveling in the second direction. Stimulated emission moves emitting molecules in a direction opposite to the photon emitted. Because emitted photons travel in the second direction, emitting molecules move in the first direction. Substantial molecular movement is accomplished by a large number of .pi.-pulse-molecule interactions. A beam corer collects the molecules in the resulting enriched divergent portions of the beam.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4366379
• Application Number: 05/912,783
• OSTI ID: 864454
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

isotope
separation
apparatus
method
relates
laser
photodeflection
molecular
beam
comprising
isotopes
separated
intersects
preferable
substantially
perpendicular
broad
traveling
direction
reflected
preferably
essentially
opposite
comprises
-pulses
selected
wavelength
excite
unexcited
molecules
stimulated
emission
excited
excitation
caused
moves
brought
returning
emitting
photon
emitted
photons
travel
move
substantial
movement
accomplished
-pulse-molecule
interactions
corer
collects
resulting
enriched
divergent
portions
separation apparatus
excited molecules
selected wavelength
substantially perpendicular
laser beam
isotope separation
molecular beam
laser isotope
stimulated emission
direction opposite
beam comprising
beam comprises
separated intersects
selected wave
beam core
/204/95/250/422/423/