The Helium-3 Shortage: Supply, Demand, and Options for Congress

Shea, Dana A. ; Morgan, Daniel

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service.

关键词: Natural resources;    Gases;    Helium;    Science policy;    Research;   

RP-ID  :  R41419
RP-ID  :  R41419_2010Dec22

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

The world is experiencing a shortage of helium-3, a rare isotope of helium with applications in homeland security, national security, medicine, industry, and science. Federal officials have testified that the shortage is acute and, unless alternatives are found, will affect federal investments in homeland security, scientific research, and other areas. This report discusses the nature of the shortage; federal actions undertaken so far to address it; current and potential sources of helium-3 and options for increasing the supply; current and projected uses of helium-3 and options for reducing the demand; and options for allocating the supply if it continues to fall short of demand.