Isotopic separation of uranium can be obtained based on photo excitation principles. These technologies are known as Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation (AVLIS), Molecular Laser Isotope Separation (MLIS), and Separation of Isotopes by Laser Excitation (SILEX).
In general, the enrichment process entails using 3 chief systems which are the laser systems, optical systems, and the separation module system. Tunable lasers are developed to deliver a very high monochromatic radiation. These radiation from the lasers can be staged in sequence to photo ionize a specific isotope species while not affecting other isotopic species. The affected species is then physically or chemically distorted which enables the material to be separated. AVLIS uses U-Fe metal alloy as its feeds material, while SILEX and MLIS use UF6 as its feed material.
Advantages of laser enrichment when compared to all other enrichment technologies is the less power consumption and capital cost, relatively simple and practical separation modules, and that enrichment can occur in one pass through the separator. Drawback of this method is production is a batch process and part of the process has to be performed in a vacuum.
In general, the enrichment process entails using 3 chief systems which are the laser systems, optical systems, and the separation module system. Tunable lasers are developed to deliver a very high monochromatic radiation. These radiation from the lasers can be staged in sequence to photo ionize a specific isotope species while not affecting other isotopic species. The affected species is then physically or chemically distorted which enables the material to be separated. AVLIS uses U-Fe metal alloy as its feeds material, while SILEX and MLIS use UF6 as its feed material.
Advantages of laser enrichment when compared to all other enrichment technologies is the less power consumption and capital cost, relatively simple and practical separation modules, and that enrichment can occur in one pass through the separator. Drawback of this method is production is a batch process and part of the process has to be performed in a vacuum.
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