Laser isotope separation
Encyclopedia
Laser isotope separation, or laser enrichment, is a technology of isotope separation
using selective ionization of atoms or molecules by the means of precisely tuned laser
s.
The techniques are:
Isotope separation
Isotope separation is the process of concentrating specific isotopes of a chemical element by removing other isotopes, for example separating natural uranium into enriched uranium and depleted uranium. This is a crucial process in the manufacture of uranium fuel for nuclear power stations, and is...
using selective ionization of atoms or molecules by the means of precisely tuned laser
Laser
A laser is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of photons. The term "laser" originated as an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation...
s.
The techniques are:
- AVLISAVLISAVLIS Is an acronym which stands for atomic vapor laser isotope separation and is a method by which specially tuned lasers are used to separate isotopes of uranium using selective ionization of hyperfine transitions....
, applied to atoms, and - MLISMolecular laser isotope separationMolecular laser isotope separation is a method of isotope separation, where specially tuned lasers are used to separate isotopes of uranium using selective ionization of hyperfine transitions of uranium hexafluoride molecules. It is similar to AVLIS...
, applied to molecules.