US3558877A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for mass separation by selective light absorption
Assignee: GCA Corp
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Filing: 1966-12-19
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Granted: 1971-01-26
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Expires: 1986-12-19
Abstract
Abstract A method of separating isotopes one of which selectively absorbs light of a predetermined wavelength comprising directing a beam of light across a gaseous beam comprising a mixture of the isotopes to deflect the selectively absorbing species, and collecting the deflected species. Apparatus comprising an evacuable chamber, in which there is a molecular beam source of particles including particles selectively absorbing light at a given wavelength and other particles that do not absorb light at that wavelength, means for directing a beam of light across the beam, and collecting means disposed to collect the species separated by the beam.
Inventors
- 👤 Jerome Pressman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 12:40
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01J; H01J49/00; H01J49/02; H01J49/10; H01J49/16; H01J49/161; B; B01; B01D; B01D59/00; B01D59/34; G; G21; G21H; G21H5/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
92 words
The method of claim 1, in which the mixture of particles to be separated is formed into a beam moving along a predetermined axis inclined to the direction of propagation of said light beam, whereby the irradiated beam of particles is formed into a first stream of light-absorbing particles moving away from said predetermined axis and a second stream of nonabsorbing particles moving along said predetermined axis, and further comprising the step of collecting particles in said second stream at a location spaced from the path of propagation of said second stream.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 2, in which said light beam is projected into a resonant optical cavity containing the region of intersection of said light beam and said particle beam, whereby a standing optical wave is produced and optically absorptive particles are directed into said first stream by Bragg reflection.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 2, in which said optical beam is propagated through said particle beam in one direction, whereby optically absorptive particles are directed into said first stream by directional momentum transfer from photons in said optical beam.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
72 words
The method of separating isotopes having differing optical absorption spectra, comprising forming a directed beam of a mixture of isotopes containing one isotope selectively absorbing light in a predetermined spectrum and at least one other isotope not absorbing light in said spectrum, irradiating said isotope beam with a beam of light in said spectrum to form a deflected beam enriched in said selectively absorbing isotope, and collecting particles from said deflecting beam.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 5, in which the irradiation is accomplished by producing a standing wave of light having a wavelength in said spectrum across the path of the isotope beam.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 2, in which the irradiation is accomplished by directing the beam of light across the path of the isotope beam, and in which the light beam is unidirectional.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
116 words
Mass separation apparatus, comprising an evacuable chamber, a molecular beam source of particles to be separated connected to said chamber for emitting a particulate beam across said chamber, said particles including a specIes selectively absorbing light at a wavelength lambda and a species not absorbing light at the wavelength lambda , means for directing a beam of light at the wavelength lambda obliquely across said particulate beam, and particle collection means mounted in spaced relation in said chamber, one collection means being mounted in the initial path of said particulate beam to collect nonabsorbing particles, and the other collection means being mounted out of the initial path of said particulate beam to collect deflected light-absorbing particles.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
48 words
The apparatus of claim 8, in which said light directing means comprises an optical cavity resonant at the wavelength lambda formed by mirrors spaced on either side of said particulate beam, and means for supplying light said source to said cavity to provide a standing optical wave therein.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
88 words
The apparatus of claim 8, in which said light directing means comprises an optical cavity resonant at lambda and including the region of intersection of said optical and particulate beams, said optical cavity comprising on one side a divergent lens and on the other side a curved mirror, whereby a standing wave is produced having at any point along said particulate beam an axis of propagation forming with the initial direction of the particulate beam an angle that decreases in the direction of propagation of said particulate beam.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2836750A
Cited
US3360733A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-01-25 | 1974-07-27 | 1975-01-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-01-25 | 1978-07-27 | 1979-01-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-01-25 | 1982-07-27 | 1983-01-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |