Implantation of neutral atoms into liquid helium by laser sputtering

Abstract

We have developed a new method for producing a high density of neutral atoms in liquid helium; laser sputtering within liquid helium. When we irradiate samples immersed in liquid helium with a pulsed laser, a large number of clusters are introduced into the liquid. When we further irradiate these clusters with an additional pulse laser, the clusters are sputtered and decomposed, which results in the creation of a high density of isolated atoms in the liquid. For alkaline earth atoms this method is demonstrated, and the results of laser spectroscopy are given.