Magnetic Isotope Effect in the Uranium Isotopes Separation

TL;DR

This study demonstrates the magnetic isotope effect in uranium isotope separation via photolysis of uranyl nitrate, achieving slight enrichment and depletion of uranium isotopes, indicating a potential method for isotope separation.

Contribution

It reports the first observation of magnetic isotope effect in uranium isotope separation through uranyl nitrate photoreduction, with measurable enrichment factors.

Findings

Enrichment factor K = 1.04 for ${}^{235}{ m U}$

Depletion of ${}^{235}{ m U}$ in initial samples

Enrichment of ${}^{235}{ m U}$ in regenerated uranyl nitrate

Abstract

When uranyl nitrate is photolysed in the water solution, light isotope ${}^{235}{\rm U}$ is separated from isotope ${}^{238}{\rm U}$ ; an enrichment factor $K = 1.04$ . The initial samples were depleted by a light isotope of uranium ${}^{235}{\rm U}$ (degree $\beta = 0.00455$). Regenerated uranyl nitrate was enriched by an isotope of uranium ${}^{235}{\rm U}$ (degree $\alpha = 0.00464$). Uranium tetrafluoride was depleted by an isotope of uranium ${}^{235}{\rm U}$ (degree $\beta = 0.00446$). Uranium isotopes are separated by the magnetic isotope effect (MIE) in uranyl nitrate photoreduction.