Atomic collisions and fission technology

Atomic physics aspects of fission technology are discussed, in particular, isotope enrichment and the slowing down of fission products, neutrons, etc., which leads to radiation damage and heating (and ultimately to power generation). Selective laser excitation of atoms or molecules promises to be a more efficient means of isotope separation than previous methods. Neutron radiation effects can be simulated in much less time by charged-particle transport. Problems in electronic and nuclear stopping of ions are reviewed. Energy loss spectra and stopping power for I ions are shown. 7 figs