Alkali metal atoms and small alkali clusters are classic heliophobes and when in contact with liquid helium they reside in a dimple on the surface. Here we show that alkalis can be induced to submerge into liquid helium when a highly polarizable co-solute, C, is added to a helium nanodroplet. Evidence is presented that shows that all sodium clusters, and probably single Na atoms, enter the helium droplet in the presence of C. Even clusters of cesium, an extreme heliophobe, dissolve in liquid helium when C is added. The sole exception is atomic Cs, which remains at the surface.

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4967405DOI Listing

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