Abstract: Method and apparatus for sputtering particles of plural isotope types to produce a particle flow of the plural isotope types into a region where laser radiation is generated to produce isotopically selective ionization of at least one isotope type in the sputtered particle flow. Separate collection of the ionized particles is accomplished through application of a magnetic field in the region of ionization and beyond.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for impact ionization of particles excited with isotopic selectivity, particularly for use in a system of uranium isotope separation and enrichment. Efficient impact ionization is achieved by first selectively exciting vaporized particles of the desired isotope in a beam of finely tuned laser radiant energy. The energies of the interacting photons are selected to produce a total energy shift during excitation which is slightly less than the ionization energy for the selected isotope. The excited isotope will thus be raised to an excitation level only slightly below the ionization level. This level is selected to permit efficient ionization, particle collisional ionization, between energetic particles in the uranium vapor environment and the highly excited particles of the desired isotope type.

Abstract: A linear electron beam evaporation source for a high vapor temperature material such as uranium which is protected against filament degradation from reverse accelerated ions in the generated vapor. Electron beam evaporation is produced by the energy in a focused, cylindrical electron beam emanating from an elongate filament and impinging upon a trough shaped crucible of the material to be evaporated. A set of linear electrodes are provided adjacent to the trajectory of the focused electron beam from the filament to provide a slight deceleration voltage in the electron accelerating potential between the filament and the crucible. The decelerating voltage acts as a potential barrier to the few ions in the generated vapor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating and accelerating ions in a vapor by use of relatively polarized laser radiation and a magnetic field. As applied to uranium isotope enrichment, a flowing uranium vapor has particles of the U.sub.235 isotope type selectively ionized by laser radiation and the ionized flow is subjected to a transverse gradient in a magnetic field. The magnetic field gradient induces an acceleration on the ionized particles of U.sub.235 which deflects them from their normal flow path toward a collecting structure. High magnetic field and corresponding high ion accelerations are achieved without loss in ionization selectivity by maintaining a polarization between the applied laser radiation and magnetic field which minimizes Zeeman splitting of the uranium energy states.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sputtering particles of plural isotope types to produce a particle flow of the plural isotope types into a region where laser radiation is generated to produce isotopically selective ionization of at least one isotope type in the sputtered particle flow. Separate collection of the ionized particles is accomplished through application of a magnetic field in the region of ionization and beyond.

Abstract: In a system for isotope separation wherein a plasma of ions of one isotope type is created, method and apparatus for magnetically extracting the ions from the plasma without impairing the ionization selectivity and efficiency. In a particle flow of plural isotope types, radiant energy is applied to selectively excite and ionize ions of at least one isotope type without corresponding ionization of particles of other isotope types. A magnetic field is applied to divert the ions of the one isotope type sufficiently to permit separate collection of those ions without the other particle constituents of the flow. The system of the present invention balances the requirements for a high magnetic field to provide sufficient diversion before charge exchange with the requirement for a limited magnetic field to prevent interference with the selective ionization process due to Zeeman broadening of the isotope absorption lines.