Laser isotope separation

Patent · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:866547

Robinson, C Paul ^[1]; Jensen, Reed J ^[1]; Cotter, Theodore P ^[2]; Boyer, Keith ^[1]; Greiner, Norman R ^[1]

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1. Los Alamos, NM
2. Munich, DE

A process and apparatus 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 photolysis, photochemical reaction or even to photoionize. Alternatively, a two-photon irradiation may be applied to the cooled gas to induce photolysis, photochemical reaction or photoionization. The process is particularly applicable to the separation of isotopes of uranium.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4734177
• OSTI ID: 866547
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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alternatively
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cooled
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defined
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