Particle Formation by Resonant Laser Light in Alkali-Metal Vapor

Abstract
Resonant laser light causes micron-sized particles to form in cesium vapor when a small amount of hydrogen gas is present in the vapor. The particles are identified as cesium-hydride crystals. This is the first observation of light-induced particle formation in metal vapors. The phenomenon has relevance to lasers and nonlinear optical devices based on dense alkali vapors, and it may also be of interest for laser isotope-separation schemes.