Results and prospects of laser separation of oxygen isotopes by IR multiphoton dissociation of molecules

An experimental search was made for an initial oxygen compound suitable for laser separation of oxygen isotopes by IR multiphoton dissociation of molecules. Over ten molecules with C–O, Si–O, Cr = O, and C = O bonds were investigated. The excitation was provided by pulsed TEA CO₂ laser radiation, and also by its second harmonic. Measurements were made of the dissociation yields of the molecular components containing ¹⁸O and ¹⁶O and of the isotopic selectivity as a function of the frequency and fluence of laser radiation, pressure of the gas being dissociated, etc. The suitability of the investigated compounds for practical laser separation of oxygen isotopes was analysed.