On a criterion efficiency for multi-isotope mixtures separation

The criterion for efficiency for separation of binary isotopic mixtures is the well-known value function. However, in the case of multi-isotope separa tion. this value function does nor exist. In this paper we develop a criter ion to define the efficiency Fur separation of multi-isotope mixtures. It i s based on che concept of the match-abundance ratio cascade (MARC) original ly introduced by De La Garza for a ternary isotope mixture The criterion ha s the property that, when applied to binary mixtures, it is the same as the value function. This approach has demonstrated that for obtaining the opti mal parameters of a single stage in the cascade it is necessary to minimize the linear combination of the inverse values of "partial separative powers " for all mixture components. A numerical example using this efficiency cri terion is presented using the separation of chromium isotopes by a single g as centrifuge.