METHOD FOR SEPARATING ISOTOPES BY MEANS OF LASERS

摘要

In a procedure for selectively separating the isotopes of a multi-isotopic element by forming a gas of isotopic compounds of the element, selectively exciting the molecules of one isotopic compound by application of laser radiation thereto, and separating the excited molecules from the other components of the gas by physical or chemical means, the efficiency of the separation is improved by passing the gas, prior to laser excitation, through a nozzle to cause it to undergo adiabatic expansion to form an undercooled gas stream, and applying the laser radiation to the gas stream.