Laser isotope separation

A review is given of laser isotope separation methods. Multistep and single-step seaparation methods are discussed. An analysis is given of selective two-step photoionization and photodissociation, multistep selective collisionless dissociation of polyatomic molecules, and formation of charged particles as a result of a strong resonant laser interaction. Such single-step methods as optical pressure, resonant scattering of selectively excited particles, scattering in the strong field of a light wave, deflection of excited molecules in inhomogeneous fields, and heterogeneous separation of vibrationally excited molecules are considered. Selective photochemical laser separation methods are analyzed and the most interesting among these is the selective photopredissociation. The results of experimental investigations are given.