Isotope enrichment
US4166951A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 13, 1977 |
| Grant date | Sep 4, 1979 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 13, 1997 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01D59/34
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for deriving, from a starting material including an element having a plurality of isotopes, derived material enriched in one isotope of the element. The starting material is deposited on a substrate at less than a critical submonatomic surface density, typically less than 10.sup.16 atoms per square centimeter. The deposit is then selectively irradiated by a laser (maser or electronic oscillator) beam with monochromatic coherent radiation resonant with the one isotope causing the material including the one isotope to escape from the substrate. The escaping enriched material is then collected. Where the element has two isotopes, one of which is to be collected, the deposit may be irradiated with radiation resonant with the other isotope and the residual material enriched in the one isotope may be evaporated from the substrate and collected.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.