Diffusive methods of isotope separation in plasma

Studies of the separation of stable isotopes in plasma are reviewed with a focus on diffusive separation methods. The efficiency of enrichment processes is analyzed using a unified approach to the calculation of diffusive separation processes in a weakly ionized plasma. Various separation mechanisms are discussed, including centrifugal techniques, diffusive friction, thermal diffusion, and isotope cataphoresis. Results of calculations and experiments are compared. Various plasma separation devices are reviewed, and the values of specific energy consumption in different methods are compared. A conclusion is made that plasma separation methods, despite relatively high energy consumption, can be competitive in the case of elements that do not have volatile compounds under normal conditions, for which state-of-the-art centrifugal cascades cannot be used.