Low-intensity white light was used to increase the loading rate of ${}^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ atoms into a vapor-cell magneto-optic trap by inducing nonthermal desorption of Rb atoms from the stainless-steel walls of the vapor cell. An increased Rb partial pressure reached a new equilibrium value in fewer than 10 s after switching on the broadband light source. After the source was turned off, the partial pressure returned to its previous value in $1/e$ times as short as 10 s.

• Received 14 July 2000

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.63.023404