We present experimental evidence of light-induced vapor jets produced by the light-induced-drift effect. They are observed in a cell kept at room temperature, having the active atom source in its central part. The cell has a diameter much larger than that of the laser beam in order to eliminate all interactions with the cell walls. This experiment opens the possibility of studying atomic elements with extremely high temperature of evaporation and/or strong chemical reactivity.

• Received 23 March 1992

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.46.R3601