Abstract . We propose a novel and simple method for the laser isotope separation of 176 Lu a precursor for the production of 177 Lu medical isotope. The physics of the laser-atom interaction has been studied through the dynamics of the atomic level populations using the density matrix formalism. It has been shown that a combination of cw excitation lasers and pulsed ionization laser can be used for the laser isotope separation of 176 Lu. The optimum conditions for the efficient and s...