ISOTOPE-SEPARATION USING INTENSE LASER FIELDS

A laser-induced vibrational trapping mechanism is proposed for isotope separation in the D-2(+)-H-2(+) system interacting with an intense fi eld. The theory is based on laser-induced quasibound states that can s uppress the photodissociation of one of the isotopes, whereas the othe r still has a large dissociation rate. Such states, the existence of w hich has previously been evidenced, can be reached by appropriately ad justing laser parameters (wavelength and intensity). Great efficiency is expected for conveniently prepared initial vibrational states of a rotationless isotope and using a continuous-wave laser.