optical pumping

noun

, Physics, Optics.

1. a method for increasing the number of atoms or molecules occupying higher energy levels by irradiating them with light of the proper frequencies to raise them to those levels.

Word History and Origins

Origin of optical pumping¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

J.S. characterized the diamond NV concentration by optical means and developed the optical pumping scheme.

From Nature