Atomic vapor laser isotope separation

Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation (AVLIS) is a general and powerful technique applicable to many elements. A major present application to the enrichement of uranium for lightwater power reactor fuel has been under development at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory since 1973. In June 1985, the Department of Energy announced the selection of AVLIS as the technology to meet future U.S. needs for the internationally competitive production of uranium separative work. Major features of the AVLIS process will be discussed with consideration of the process figures of merit.This paper is a synopsis of a presentation made at the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences IVA Symposium Laser Technology in Chemistry, Stockholm, Sweden, November 10, 1987