Carbon Isotope Selective Separation From MPD of CF3Br With a TEA CO2 Laser

Abstract

Pure CF3Br and mixtures of this substance with monoatomic (He, Ar and Xe), homonuclear diatomic (H2, D2, N2), polyatomic gases (CF4) and NO have been irradiated with a TEA CO2 laser. Carbon-13 enrichment factor and carbon-13 selectivity have been estimated from the mass spectrometric analysis of the undissociated CF3Br as a function of excitation wavelength, fluence, temperature and pressure. The irradiating wavelength is a crucial parameter to achieve enrichment. The nature of the added gas also affects considerably selectivity. Best enrichment is achieved in mixtures with NO due to its radical-like character.