Separation of rare earth isotopes using resonance ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Stable isotopes comprise a very large portion of the periodic table. They find a wide variety of applications, which include serving as precursors for radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals and as accelerated particle targets. Isotopes of the lanthanides, with very high boiling points and low natural abundances, are often difficult to separate by conventional electromagnetic techniques. Photoionization is a potential alternative method. We have devised a system in which an atomic beam of the rare earth metal is admitted to the ionization region of a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Photoionization is achieved using a pulsed, two-photon laser scheme. Preliminary results from the photoionization of samarium are discussed. 5 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab