Using a copper-vapor laser (578.2 nm) in a new method of laser fluorescence for molecular iodine isotopes to detect gases in real time

Abstract

This letter deals with the development of a new laser method for simultaneously detecting 127I2, 127I129I and 129I2 in gaseous media, which, in contrast with existing methods, does not require tuning of the laser wavelength. The method is based on exciting fluorescence in iodine isotopologues using copper-vapor laser radiation (578.2 nm) and registering the separate spectral fluorescence line intensities. This method allows high-sensitivity real-time monitoring of isotopologues of molecular iodine-129 and iodine-127 in technological media generated during the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel, in gaseous emissions from the purification systems of radiochemical plants and in the natural atmosphere.