Chapter 2. Enrichment. Paper 4. Laser separation of isotopes

The selective action of laser light is the key factor in a variety of new concepts for isotope separation. As a matter of principle, these schemes can be applied to the isotopes of all chemical elements. High separation efficiencies are expected on principal physical grounds. As the present status of this field is still mostly characterized by basic research, it is not yet possible to make a detailed comparison with other, more conventional separation techniques. This paper discusses the principal possibilities, the determining parameters, and the first experimental results in uranium laser isotope separation, according to the following list of topics: 1. basic requirements for laser isotope separation (relation of the laser process to conventional techniques, required spectroscopic features, physical or chemical separation processes, and laser parameters); 2. results for light elements (sulphur-32/34 separation as a representative example); 3. results for heavy elements (uranium-235/238 separation, some published results); and 4. open problems, future prospects (isotope separation in relation to laser chemistry, the cost of laser light, limiting efficiencies, and overall technological requirements). (author)