Inventors:
Cyrus D. Cantrell - Santa Fe NM
Robert J. Carbone - Los Alamos NM
Ralph S. Cooper - Los Alamos NM
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy
Research & Development Administration - Washington DC
International Classification:
H01S 2700, H01J 300
Abstract:
An infrared laser system and method for isotope separation may comprise a molecular gas laser oscillator to produce a laser beam at a first wavelength, Raman spin flip means for shifting the laser to a second wavelength, a molecular gas laser amplifier to amplify said second wavelength laser beam to high power, and optical means for directing the second wavelength, high power laser beam against a desired isotope for selective excitation thereof in a mixture with other isotopes. The optical means may include a medium which shifts the second wavelength high power laser beam to a third wavelength, high power laser beam at a wavelength coincidental with a corresponding vibrational state of said isotope and which is different from vibrational states of other isotopes in the gas mixture.