A. P. Dyad'kin

Multiwatt optically pumped ammonia laser operation in the 12–13 μm

Design and operating caracteristics of high pulse repetition rate NH3 laser producing up to 20 W of average output power are described. The NH3 laser, operating in the 12–13 μm region was optically pumped with a high pulse repetition rate TEA CO2 laser. Dependences of the NH3 laser output on the pump energy, ammonia and buffer gas pressures and pulse repetition rate have been studied. The conversion efficiency of up to 16% has been received.

Isotopically selective dissociation of CCl4 molecules by NH3 laser radiation

The IR NH3 laser radiation was applied for selective dissociation of CCl4 molecules. The dissociation yield, its pressure dependence and isotopic selectivity were measured. Two-frequency dissociation of CCl4 by the NH3 laser and the CO2 pump laser radiations was carried out. It was shown that the NH3 laser is very effective for CCl4 dissociation.

Production of carbon isotopes by laser separation

Since the advent of lasers, these unique sources of highly intense and monochromatic radiation have been proposed as excellent tools to induce or catalyze chemical reactions. Due to the great interest to the problem of isotope production, investigation and application, the laser method of isotope separation has received the most attention worldwide and may be the first major commercial application of lasers to chemistry. Laser methods of isotope separation are based on high selectivity and power of laser sources of radiation. One of the most prominent method is based on the effect is isotope-selective multiphoton dissociation of molecules by IR-radiation (MLIS-method). This phenomena was discovered in Russia in 1974 and developed from scientific investigations to industrial scale production of 13C isotopes in collaboration between the Kurchatov Institute of Atomic Energy, TRINITI and Institute of Spectroscopy of RAS. Demonstration facilities for sulfur and carbon isotope separation with average productivity up to 2 g/h have been created as a result of collaboration and these systems are aimed at optimization of MLIS process and evaluation of its cost efficiency. Experiments show that laser produced isotopes are far cheaper as compared to any conventional technique. Results of basic scientific research, existing technological cooperation allow to start building a laser isotope separation plant. Light element isotopes produced there can answer a wide variety of demands in many technologies. These isotopes can be readily used in medicine, agriculture, environmental monitoring, etc.

Technological complex for average-mass isotope separation by powerful CO2 laser

There is a high worldwide interest in middle mass isotopes, particularly in carbon and oxygen isotopes. Over the few last years some industrial installations have been built for producing highly concentrated 13C isotope using the method of the low-temperature rectification of CO. However the cost of isotope manufacturing by this method is rather high. One of the ways to increase the output of middle-mass isotopes and to cut its costs is using laser technologies. This report is devoted to the development of the novel laser based technology for 13C isotope production.