Light-induced diffusive pulling (pushing) of lithium atoms into a laser beam. Measurement of diffusion coefficients of lithium in 2P and 2S states in noble gases

Abstract We report on the first observation of light-induced diffusive pulling (pushing) of lithium atoms into a laser beam (LDP). Diffusion coefficients of lithium in ground and excited states in noble gases (He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe) has been measured.