Lasers in materials processing

We analyze the general requirements for an economically viable laser materials-processing application. Laser light is not only expensive relative to other forms of energy but at ∼ $10/kg of product for laser processing costs (corresponding to one 2 eV photon per product molecule) it is expensive relative to most bulk chemicals. We identify four criteria for a successful application that allows efficient utilization of this costly source of energy. In reviewing the status of uranium laser isotope separation (LIS) at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories (LLNL), we show how this program satisfies our criteria.