Survey of laser-induced chemistry and laser isotope separation

A survey of recent developments in laser-induced chemistry and isotope separation is presented. Much of this activity has been in the area of reactions stimulated by multiple infrared photon absorption. Topics considered include pressure scaling, mode specificity, fundamental reaction mechanisms, heavy isotope separation (U, Os), collision-assisted dissociation in diatomics, and developments in theory; a list of significant new reactions is included. Four new research directions are indicated. These include bimolecular reactions, reactions in low-temperature matrices and cryogenic liquids, electronic photochemistry, and laser/catalytic (surface) effects. Many of the new developments in this area are likely to have a significant impact on current approaches to separation processes