Laser Isotope Separation

Laser isotope separation of uranium

A research effort was carried out at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, for developing laser-based techniques for enrichment of natural uranium to reactor-grade (2.5% to 3.0% U), with the potential to be economically scalable to industrial production. Three approaches – two molecular, namely CO2 laser-based approach and UF6-based approach, and one atomic, namely Atomic Vapour Las...

A MODEL STUDY OF LASER ISOTOPE SEPARATION BY PHOTOIONIZATION OR PHOTODISSOCIATION PROCESS

In this study, the selective photoexication of isotopic mixtures by laser light is investigated. Atomic and molecular methods are examined and rate equations are derived for both cases. Two and three step photoionization techniques are considered and rate equations are solved for ion yields. The molecular photodissociation process is also studied and the dependence of the dissociation produ...

Isotope Effects, Isotope Separation and Isotope Fractionation

Laser isotope separation using two-photon selective excitation; its quantum efficiency and separation factor.

Application of two-photon selective excitation to isotope separation with high power, high resolution tunable lasers is discussed. A simple kinetic model is given to determine quantum efficiency and separation factor in terms of laser powers and relaxation constants. A numerical example is used to demonstrate the feasibility of the scheme. Results indicate that a high quantum yield is obtainabl...

Electrochemical isotope effect and lithium isotope separation.

A large electrochemical isotopic effect is observed upon the electrodeposition of lithium from solutions of propylene carbonate producing isotopically light metal deposits. The magnitude of fractionation is controlled by the applied overpotential and is largest close to equilibrium. Calculated partition function ratios for tetrahedrally coordinated lithium complexes and metallic lithium predict...