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.