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Metastable Atom in Resonator for Laser Isotope Separation (MARLIS)
MARLIS is a new laser-based technology that efficiently separates atomic isotopes by using long-lived atomic states and a powerful optical resonator, making the process more reliable, compact, and energy-efficient than previous methods. Background Isotope separation is a critical process in fields such as nuclear energy, medical diagnostics, and...
Published: 3/11/2026   |   Inventor(s): Mark Raizen
Keywords(s):  
Category(s): Physical sciences > Materials > Isotopes
Mercury isotope composition for improved fluorescent lighting efficiency
BackgroundEvery fluorescent light bulb on earth uses a small amount (several milligrams) of mercury. This element has seven naturally occurring isotopes. The opacity of the mercury vapor causes the resonance UV photons emitted by the atoms in a glow discharge plasma to be reabsorbed by adjacent atoms, leading to a much longer effective lifetime or lower...
Published: 1/13/2026   |   Inventor(s): Mark Raizen, James Lawler
Keywords(s):  
Category(s): Physical sciences > Materials > Isotopes