Production of carbon isotopes by laser separation

Abstract

Since the advent of lasers, these unique sources of highly intense and monochromatic radiation have been proposed as excellent tools to induce or catalyze chemical reactions. Due to the great interest to the problem of isotope production, investigation and application, the laser method of isotope separation has received the most attention worldwide and may be the first major commercial application of lasers to chemistry. Laser methods of isotope separation are based on high selectivity and power of laser sources of radiation. One of the most prominent method is based on the effect is isotope-selective multiphoton dissociation of molecules by IR-radiation (MLIS-method). This phenomena was discovered in Russia in 1974 and developed from scientific investigations to industrial scale production of <SUP>13</SUP>C isotopes in collaboration between the Kurchatov Institute of Atomic Energy, TRINITI and Institute of Spectroscopy of RAS. Demonstration facilities for sulfur and carbon isotope separation with average productivity up to 2 g/h have been created as a result of collaboration and these systems are aimed at optimization of MLIS process and evaluation of its cost efficiency. Experiments show that laser produced isotopes are far cheaper as compared to any conventional technique. Results of basic scientific research, existing technological cooperation allow to start building a laser isotope separation plant. Light element isotopes produced there can answer a wide variety of demands in many technologies. These isotopes can be readily used in medicine, agriculture, environmental monitoring, etc.