Generation of an Atomic Beam by Using Laser Ablation for Isotope Separation Purposes

Atomic vapor laser isotope separation has been studied at the Institute for Advanced Studies for nuclear purposes since 1982, and recently it has been questioned about its potentialities for the aerospace area. Many applications from nuclear propulsion to electricity generation and space navigation have been found, which justify the study of isotope separation for aerospace applications. One of the key process, and the first step for atomic vapor laser isotope separation, is the production of a neutral vapor jet. This paper discussed the potentiality of using laser ablation as a tool to generate neutral metal vapor jet for isotope separation purposes. The basis for the discussion is a set of experimental results obtained at the Institute for Advanced Studies. The experiments were described, the results were analyzed using basic theoretical treatment found in the literature, and it was concluded that laser ablation is a potential tool for the generation of a neutral vapor jet for atomic vapor laser isotope separation purposes.