Main physical problems of AVLIS technology in producing ytterbium-168 in weighable amounts

Abstract

A review of the AVLIS (atomic vapor laser isotope separation) development performed by GPI and LAD Ltd. (Moscow, Russia) during the last 4–5 years is presented. The processes of laser isotope separation of ytterbium (Yb) have been studied analytically, with numerical simulations, and experimentally. The basic attention is given to the following topics: the selectivity of ionization; the laser beams arrangement in a cavity; the forming of a vapor flux; and the extraction of ions from plasma. Installations to produce highly enriched 168Yb in industrial scales were created. The content of 168Yb in the laser-produced plasma reached 90–95%, in the material deposited on the ion collector up to 62%, and in the washing liquid up to 45%. The rate of the enriched Yb production was up to 5–10 mg/h. For the first time a profitable commodity was produced by the AVLIS method.