Process for the separation or enrichment of isotopes or molecules

摘要

The separation or enrichment of isotopes or molecules is sometimes currently achieved with very high expenditure. The novel process is to separate or enrich diamagnetic atoms or molecules by the kilogram with low expenditure and to separate or enrich the other atoms or molecules with moderate to high expenditure. The separation of isotopes or molecules is achieved by the neutral atomic or molecular beams (1) flying through an inhomogeneous electric or magnetic field (3). In the case of sufficient velocity selection (2), the beams split into monoisotopic or unimolecular beams (4) owing to the directional quantisation, different electric or magnetic moments and differing masses. Enrichment proceeds by very strong to weak different accelerations or forces acting on the atoms or molecules in the inhomogeneous electric or magnetic field and therefore, for example, in the case of diamagnetic elements, the isotopes having a nuclear moment NOTEQUAL 0 (e.g. <3>He) can be "sucked off" or "distilled off" from the other isotopes (e.g. <4>He). Enrichment or separation of isotopes or molecules. <IMAGE>