Development of advanced concepts for improved heavy water production technology. Tri-quarterly report, January 1-September 30, 1980

Research into deuterium-from-protium isotope separation via both metal hydride chromatography and CO2 laser multiple-photon dissociation (MPD) of trifluoromethane (CDF3/CHF3) is discussed. Several new classes of alloy compositions, including Mg-rare earth, NiTi/sub x/, and [Ca+Ce,Zr,Ti].8-Ni4Cu compounds, were evaluated for chromatograhic isotope separation; no tested alloy exhibited properties suitable for commercial deuterium separation. For deuterium separation by MPD of CDF3, construction of a CO2 laser system was completed that is capable of delivering either 2 nsec short pulses at a single wavelength or 200 nsec long pulses simulatneously at two different laser frequencies. The wavelength dependence of single-line multiple-photon dissociation probability of CDF3 was measured, and is reported here. Deuterium separation by CO2 laser photolysis of CDF3/CHF3 near 10.3 μ using approx. 2 nsec pulses still appears to be a commercially viable process for heavy water production