New Prospects in Isotope Separation

Abstract

THE identification of the heavy hydrogen isotope and its separation gave considerable impetus to the search for methods of bulk separation of the isotopes of other elements. Previous to this time, the experimental man of science had been content to demonstrate that displacements of normal isotope ratios could be secured by one or other method. Aston and Harkins had shown that these ratios could be changed by diffusion processes in the cases of neon and chlorine. Bron-sted and Hevesy changed slightly the atomic weight of mercury by distillation methods. It was the separation of the hydrogen isotopes and the demonstration of their extraordinary utility in many problems of chemical, physical and biological interest that re-awakened the interest in more complete separations of other isotopic elements. The simultaneous advances in the study of the nucleus, by bombardment with swift-moving primary particles, enhanced the desire for individual isotopic species of the elements, at the same time that it provided an alternative tool for research in the form of artificially produced radioactive elements.