Performance Evaluation of Laser Spectroscopy Techniques for Isotope Identification and Separation Based on Isotope Shifts

Abstract : Laser spectroscopy has become one of the most important technologies for isotope identification and separation because of its high spectral resolution and its ability to accurately measure isotope shifts. Despite significant advances in this field, a comprehensive comparative evaluation of different laser spectroscopy methods in terms of their physical principles, measurement accuracy, and isotope separation capabilities is still required. The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the performance of laser spectroscopy methods for isotope identification and separation based on their underlying physical principles, spectral resolution, sensitivity, and applications. This study was conducted as a systematic review, in which publications retrieved from major scientific databases were identified, screened, and analyzed. The findings demonstrated that the mass shift and the field shift constitute the fundamental physical basis for isotope discrimination. Collinear Laser Spectroscopy (CLS), owing to its very high spectral resolution, is the most suitable technique for the precise measurement of isotope shifts and the investigation of nuclear structure, whereas Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation (AVLIS) and Molecular Laser Isotope Separation (MLIS) exhibit high efficiency in the selective separation of isotopes. Furthermore, the development of narrow-linewidth lasers, frequency stabilization systems, and advanced data-processing techniques has significantly improved the accuracy and sensitivity of these technologies. Overall, the selection of an appropriate method depends on the intended application, the type of isotope, and the required measurement accuracy. This study provides a comparative framework for understanding the capabilities and limitations of laser spectroscopy methods and can contribute to the future development of isotope identification and separation technologies