Abstract

The molecular route for the separation of uranium isotopes utilises the technique of flow cooling to decrease the vibrational and rotational temperatures of UF₆ in order to enhance the optical selectivity obtainable in the first selective step of a multifrequency irradiation scheme. This selectivity an the subsequent photodynamics when the molecule is excited through the quasicontinuum to dissociation, impacts critically on the specific energy consumption and the techno-economics of the separation process. A high density is favoured in the irradiation zone. However, this introduces the aspect of vibrational energy transfer between molecules, with resultant loss in isotopic selectivity. It is therefore imperative to establish a consummate picture of the influence of vibrational exchange processes, during and after the laser pulses, on the photodynamics of UF₆.

© 1996 Optical Society of America