  We report on a technique to improve the continuous loading of atomic
strontium into a magnetic trap from a Magneto-Optical Trap (MOT). This is
achieved by adding a depumping laser tuned to the 3P1 to 3S1 (688-nm)
transition. The depumping laser increases atom number in the magnetic trap and
subsequent cooling stages by up to 65 % for the bosonic isotopes and up to 30 %
for the fermionic isotope of strontium. We optimize this trap loading strategy
with respect to the 688-nm laser detuning, intensity, and beam size. To
understand the results, we develop a one-dimensional rate equation model of the
system, which is in good agreement with the data. We discuss the use of other
transitions in strontium for accelerated trap loading and the application of
the technique to other alkaline-earth-like atoms.
