Production of High-Value Isotopically Separated Materials
Abstract
The purpose of this project was to complete the development of the laser systems and separator systems needed to investigate the potential for the economical separation of high value isotopes used in medical and industrial applications, then demonstrate this separation capability. The project was to focus on the isotopic purification of lead for use as solder in high-end electronics, and on the isotopic enrichment of thallium for medical applications. Ultimately the goal is to demonstrate the economical and technical viability of the technology for lead and thallium and to develop a more general capability for other possible isotope separation missions. Both lead and thallium are useful applications in this context because they require dye lasers, solid-state lasers, and a frequency doubling capability of some of the lasers. This later capability allows access to the wavelength range 250 to 450 nm, with tunable, high-power and high repetition frequency lasers. Until recently, these wavelengths have been largely inaccessible in combination with these other laser characteristics. In addition, up to two new potential laser-isotope separation applications would be conceptually developed through a process of needs analysis and technical feasibility studies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 25, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA362583
Entities
People
- B. Comaskey
- J. G. Wilder
- K. F. Scheibner
- M. J. Shaw
Organizations
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory