Conversion of isotope compounds to metals by reduction-distillation methods

Abstract

Because isotopes in metal form provide physicists with mononuclidic targets essentially void of extraneous or interfering nuclei in two-body experiments, conversions of compounds to metals warrant extensive study. Furthermore, having isotopes in pure metallic form permits (in many cases) physical manipulations to be performed so as to convert bulk material into suitable target configurations: thin foils, wires, castings, spheres, and even colloidal suspensions. Physical properties of metals are extensively influenced by small impurity concentrations, and therefore whatever conversion method is applied, it must preserve and/or create an ultrapure product. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the application of the reduction of a solid compounded isotope, followed by metal distillation into a non-contaminating collector vessel. A variety of isotope metal vapor condensation-collection methods and subsequent treatment of the product to form various physical forms will be discussed. Unfortunately, no single collection technique is applicable to all elements. Limitations of this technique with regard to reducible cations other than those noted earlier will be discussed, together with the consequences of volatilization of some metal suboxides in this process.