On laser rare-isotope separation

Abstract

A brief review on laser separation of rare ytterbium and palladium isotopes by selective photoionisation is presented. The 168Yb isotope enrichment is performed using the optical scheme proposed by A.M. Prokhorov and co-workers in 1991. The kinetic model of selective photoionisation is described in detail and the production of highly enriched 168Yb isotopes in weight quantities is reported (up to 90 % — 95 % in a plasma, up to 62 % on a collector, and up to 45 % in a wash solution). The rate of production of enriched ytterbium achieves 5 — 10 mg h-1 (more that 1 g per month). The results of theoretical and experimental studies of selective photoionisation of palladium are also presented. A substantial enrichment of different palladium isotopes is achieved: 102Pd — up to 18 % (the natural content is 1 %), 104Pd — up to 70 % (11.4 %), and 105Pd — up to 60 % (22.33 %). The kinetics of selective ionisation of palladium is analysed using new experimental data on the fine structure and hyperfine splitting of the terms.