Isotope Separation Using Magneto-Plasma Instabilities.
Abstract
The report briefly describes a design for a continuously operating device which separates one isotopic species of a given element from a mixture. The essential innovation is the use of collisionless plasma instabilities to slow down ions of the desired species from two counter-streaming, initially neutral beams. The relevant processes of excitation, ionization and decay occurring in the laser-irradiated atomic beam are discussed. The plasma instabilities and the 'braking' process in two symmetric counterstreaming beams are analyzed. Also included are a schematic of a plant design and estimated rates and power requirements.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- ADA002439
Entities
People
- David L. Book
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory