Isotope separation by radiation pressure of coherent π pulses

Abstract

Limitations of existing methods of isotope separation, using atomic beam deflection induced by radiation pressure, are discussed. A new method, based on selective momentum transfer by intense unchirped reflected laser pulses, is proposed. The pulses produce population inversion in one isotope leaving the other unaffected. This population inversion is obtained using isotope selective optical precession. The method is supported by the full solution of the equations of motion of a two‐level atom interacting with realistic light pulses of arbitrary strength.