Carbon Isotope Selective Separation From MPD of CF₃Br With a TEA CO₂ Laser

Abstract

Pure CF₃Br and mixtures of this substance with monoatomic (He, Ar and Xe), homonuclear diatomic (H₂, D₂, N₂), polyatomic gases (CF₄) and NO have been irradiated with a TEA CO₂ laser. Carbon-13 enrichment factor and carbon-13 selectivity have been estimated from the mass spectrometric analysis of the undissociated CF₃Br as a function of excitation wavelength, fluence, temperature and pressure. The irradiating wavelength is a crucial parameter to achieve enrichment. The nature of the added gas also affects considerably selectivity. Best enrichment is achieved in mixtures with NO due to its radical-like character.