Abstract: A gaseous mixture containing elementary particles (atoms or molecules) of first and second isotopes is exposed to laser radiation at a predetermined frequency to excite elementary particles of the first isotope without substantially exciting elementary particles of the second isotope. An electric discharge is established in the gaseous mixture to produce preferential ionization of elementary particles of the first isotope. Electrophoresis in the discharge (either cataphoresis or the formation of a plasma sheath at the lateral extremity of the discharge) causes preferential migration of elementary particles of the first isotope to a first location and preferential migration of elementary particles of the second isotope to a second location. Portions of the gaseous mixture enriched in the first and second isotopes, respectively, are removed from the respective first and second locations.

Abstract: A dielectric waveguide is disposed adjacent to a diode array which allows for coupling of energy therebetween. The waveguide has a core section and a cladding section encompassing a core section except in a portion thereof. The diode array is disposed adjacent to the exposed core portion at a proximity which allows evanescent coupling of energy between energy traversing the waveguide and the diodes of the diode array. A variety of microwave devices may be provided by this arrangement which include a signal source, detector, harmonic generator, upconverter, down-converter, or power combiner, depending upon the types of signals and manner of application of the signals applied to the waveguide and to the diode array.

Abstract: An improved getter for a hydrogen maser comprised of screened particles of zirconium-aluminum alloy. One or more pump bodies are connected with a hydrogen maser and each pump body contains a quantity of Zr-Al alloy particles. One or more screens are provided in a passageway connecting a pump body with a maser to allow passage of hydrogen into the pump body but preventing, in a zero-g environment, the alloy particles from leaving the pump body. The Zr-Al alloy particles are activated by heating.