Separation of isotopes in space and time by gas-surface atomic diffraction
AssigneeThe University of Chicago
InventorsSteven J. Sibener, Jacob D. Graham, Kevin J. Nihill
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Abstract
Methods for separating isotopes are provided. An embodiment of such a method comprises directing a supersonic beam characterized by an average velocity v and velocity distribution Δv/v, the beam comprising a first isotope and a second isotope, at a single-crystalline surface at an angle of incidence θi such that the first isotope elastically scatters from the surface with a peak angle θf1 and the second isotope elastically scatters from the surface with a peak angle θf2; and selectively collecting the scattered first isotope, the scattered second isotope, or both. Apparatus for carrying out the methods are also provided.
Claims18
A method for separating isotopes, the method comprising:
- directing a supersonic beam characterized by an average velocity v and velocity distribution Δv/v, the beam comprising a first isotope and a second isotope, at a single-crystalline surface at an angle of incidence θi such that the first isotope elastically scatters from the surface with a peak angle θf1 and the second isotope elastically scatters from the surface with a peak angle θf2;
- and
- selectively collecting the scattered first isotope, the scattered second isotope, or both.
An apparatus for separating isotopes, the apparatus comprising:
- a source configured to provide a supersonic beam characterized by an average velocity v and velocity distribution Δv/v, the beam comprising a first isotope and a second isotope, wherein the apparatus is further configured to direct the supersonic beam at a single-crystalline surface at an angle of incidence θi such that the first isotope elastically scatters from the surface with a peak angle θf1 and the second isotope elastically scatters from the surface with a peak angle θf2;
- and
- a collector configured to selectively collect the scattered first isotope, the scattered second isotope, or both, as a function of angle θf, or time-of-flight, or both.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.