Apparatus for shifting the wavelength of light. [US patent application]
This invention, which resulted from a contract with the United States Department of Energy, relates to a means for shifting the wavelength of light and, more particularly, to a means for changing the wavelength of a laser beam so that the beam can be effectively used in a process for separation uranium isotopes. As disclosed in US Patent 3,940,615, /sup 235/U can be separated from /sup 238/U by selectively ionizing the /sup 235/U isotope in a vapor containing both /sup 235/U and /sup 238/U, this ionization being effected by passing a laser beam having a proper frequency (or wavelength) through the vapor. Doppler shifting of the wavelength of a laser beam to obtain an optimal light wavelength for ionizing /sup 235/U in such a separation process has been proposed heretofore. However, the applicants are aware of no apparatus for Doppler shifting of the wavelength of light that has the features or advantages of apparatus constructed in accordance with the principles of their invention. A light beam is reflected back and forth between a rotating body having a retroreflection corner at opposite ends thereof and a fixed mirror to change the wavelength of the light beam by the Doppler effect.
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-26
- Assignee:
- Dept. of Energy
- Patent Number(s):
- PATENTS-US-A343802
- Application Number:
- ON: DE83002386
- OSTI ID:
- 6743875
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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