  The $^{133}\mathrm{Ba}^+$ ion is a promising candidate as a high-fidelity
qubit, and the $^{137}\mathrm{Ba}^+$ isotope is promising as a high-fidelity
qudit ($d>2$). Barium metal is very reactive, and $^{133}\mathrm{Ba}^+$ is
radioactive and can only be sourced in small quantities, so the most commonly
used loading method, oven heating, is less suited for barium, and is currently
not possible for $^{133}\mathrm{Ba}^+$.Pulsed laser ablation solves both of
these problems by utilizing compound barium sources, while also giving some
distinct advantages, such as fast loading, less displaced material, and lower
heat load near the ion trap. Because of the relatively low abundances of the
isotopes of interest, a two-step photoionization technique is used, which gives
us the ability to selectively load isotopes. Characterization of the ablation
process for our $\mathrm{BaCl}_2$ targets are presented, including observation
of neutral and ion ablation-fluence regimes, preparation/conditioning and
lifetimes of ablation spots, and plume velocity distributions.We show that
using laser ablation on $\mathrm{BaCl}_2$ salt targets with a two-step
photoionization method, we can produce and trap barium ions reliably. Further,
we demonstrate that with our photoionization method, we can trap
$^{137}\mathrm{Ba}^+$ with an enhanced selectivity compared to its natural
abundance.
