On laser rare-isotope separation

A brief review on laser separation of rare ytterbium and palladium isotopes by selective photoionisation is presented. The ¹⁶⁸Yb isotope enrichment is performed using the optical scheme proposed by A. M. Prokhorov and co-workers in 1991. The kinetic model of selective photoionisation is described in detail and the production of highly enriched ¹⁶⁸Yb isotopes in weight quantities is reported (up to 90 % – 95 % in a plasma, up to 62 % on a collector, and up to 45 % in a wash solution). The rate of production of enriched ytterbium achieves 5 – 10 mg h^-1 (more that 1 g per month). The results of theoretical and experimental studies of selective photoionisation of palladium are also presented. A substantial enrichment of different palladium isotopes is achieved: ¹⁰²Pd – up to 18 % (the natural content is 1 %), ¹⁰⁴Pd – up to 70 % (11.4 %), and ¹⁰⁵Pd – up to 60 % (22.33 %). The kinetics of selective ionisation of palladium is analysed using new experimental data on the fine structure and hyperfine splitting of the terms.