title: Optically enhanced production of metastable xenon.
abstract: Metastable states of noble gas atoms are typically produced by electrical discharge techniques or "all-optical" excitation methods. Here we combine electrical discharges with optical pumping to demonstrate "optically enhanced" production of metastable xenon (Xe*). We experimentally measure large increases in Xe*density with relatively small optical control field powers. This technique may have applications in systems where large metastable state densities are desirable.
authors.forename: G T
authors.initials: GT
authors.lastname: Hickman
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Franson
authors.forename: T B
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Pittman