Isotope separation of laser excited molecules by use of surface interaction

The fundamental problem with many laser excitation isotope separations now being proposed is that in order to avoid collisional energy transfer before separation they must be operated at low pressure (equal to or less than 10-3 torr). This seriously limits the mass transfer rate and the excitation source energy which can be absorbed for a given path length. A physical process which might be used to effect an efficient separation of vibrationally excited molecules from their less excited companions with the potential of a sizeable mass transfer rate is the surface adsorption-desorbtion time. A rotating surface adsorption separator and laser illuminated column gas chromatographic devices which might be used to separate laser excited molecules are described. (U.S.)