A method of separating the isotopes of uranium hexafluoride by means of laser radiation.

摘要

A method of separating the isotopes of uranium hexafluoride by means of laser radiation. The radiation is produced by means of a CO2-laser, in which the CO2 gas consists essentially of CO2 molecules in which one of the oxygen atoms is O<1><6> and the other oxygen atom is O<1><8>. The beam from the CO2-laser is shone onto a Raman cell incorporating parahydrogen as the Raman-active fluid, whereby the frequency of the beam is shifted. The beam is then used for the isotope-selective excitation of UF6, whereafter the excited UF6 is treated further in known manner to achieve separation of the isotopes.