Optically enhanced production of metastable xenon
  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. 
G.T. Hickman, J.D. Franson, and T.B. Pittman
physics.atom-ph physics.optics quant-ph