STEP concept development for separation of Isotopes for Fusion Materials

The STEP Programme and wider UKAEA programmes related to advanced materials development are seeking to explore technology options to provide scalable solutions for isotope separation in metals. Possible solutions include (but are not limited to) electromagnetic techniques to separate ionized materials, selective laser-based ionization, distillation methods involving liquid phases, gas-based separation via centrifuges, and chemical processes based on ion exchange, electrolysis, or electrolytic methods.

UKAEA would like to partner with the industry to explore different technologies and their possibilities. At this stage, this (interaction) could be with companies with key expertise in specific elements of the technology solutions, for example in the production of ion/atomic beams, or with knowledge of ion collection and extraction. Alternatively, we would welcome bids from suppliers with capabilities to develop novel integrated solutions, bringing together various technologies to develop a full isotope separation methodology.