Over the past decade we have developed general methods for controlling the motion of atoms in gas phase. Our approach uses lasers to control the magnetic state of each atom by optical pumping, followed by magnetic manipulation. We have shown that this is a new and efficient paradigm for cooling of atoms as well as for isotope separation. Magnetically Activated and Guided Isotope Separation (MAGIS) was experimentally demonstrated in our laboratory, and is now moving to production of key isotopes for medicine at a non-profit entity, the Pointsman Foundation: www.pointsman.org. I will discuss new applications of isotopes that have the potential for breakthroughs in medicine, energy, and basic science.

Argonne Physics Division Colloquium Schedule