  We demonstrate loading of a Li magneto-optical trap using light-induced
atomic desorption. The magneto-optical trap confines up to approximately
$4\times10^{4}$ $^{7}\text{Li}$ atoms with loading rates up to approximately
$4\times10^{3}$ atoms per second. We study the Li desorption rate as a function
of the desorption wavelength and power. The extracted wavelength threshold for
desorption of Li from fused silica is approximately $470$ nm. In addition to
desorption of lithium, we observe light-induced desorption of background gas
molecules. The vacuum pressure increase due to the desorbed background
molecules is $\lesssim50$ % and the vacuum pressure decreases back to its base
value with characteristic timescales on the order of seconds when we extinguish
the desorption light. By examining both the loading and decay curves of the
magneto-optical trap, we are able to disentangle the trap decay rates due to
background gases and desorbed lithium. Our results show that light-induced
atomic desorption can be a viable Li vapor source for compact devices and
sensors.
