Spin-state-controlled chemi-ionization reactions between metastable helium atoms and ground-state lithium atoms

Tobias Sixt, Frank Stienkemeier, Katrin Dulitz

We demonstrate the control of ${}^4$He(2${}^3$S${}_1$)-${}^7$Li(2${}^2$S${}_{1/2}$) chemi-ionization reactions by all-optical electron-spin-state preparation of both atomic species prior to th…