Concentration of lithium vapor in a high-temperature sapphire capillary based on light-induced drift

The accumulation of atomic lithium vapor in a sapphire capillary based on light-induced drift is experimentally investigated. To suppress lithium adsorption on the walls of the capillary and prolong the life of the atomic state, the capillary was heated to high temperatures. The phenomenon of an 'optical piston' was observed, indicating a high degree of concentration of atomic lithium vapor. The experimental results are consistent with theoretical ideas, and they suggest that heated cells hold some promise for efficient isotope separation and the detection of atomic micro-impurities