Photoassociation of cesium atoms into the double minimum state

Abstract We have observed the transition from the free colliding pair of cesium atoms into the outer well of the double minimum Cs 2 3 1 Σ u + state. This photoassociation process takes place in a cesium vapor consisting predominantly of atoms, in which dimers have been about 85% thermally dissociated. Excellent agreement with quasiclassical simulations was found. We discuss the possibility of using a double minimum Cs 2 3 1 Σ u + state for the formation of ultracold Cs 2 X 1 Σ g + molecules.