Separation of isotopes by laser-assisted retardation of condensation (SILARC)

Abstract

Basic relations are presented to calculate isotope enrichment and depletion factors in a supercooled flow of gaseous QF6molecules mixed with Ar (or another carrier gas) that is coaxially or cross-wise illuminated with a laser beam. Isotope-selective laser excitation ofiQF6molecules retards their condensation on walls and during cluster growth. This yields an isotope-enriched gas and isotope-depleted wall deposits under subsonic flow conditions and coaxial laser irradiation. Similarly, enriched QF6gas and depleted particle clusters are formed in supercooled supersonic expansion flows that are coaxially or cross-wise irradiated. Measured isotope changes for32SF6/34SF6and235UF6/238UF6are shown to be in agreement with calculated values.