We have observed atomic line self-broadening of Cs near
7P3∕2 and
7P1∕2 atomic lines at ultracold temperatures using a magneto-optical trap and resonant ionization detection. We have observed blue satellite band features at detunings of 560 and
800MHz, respectively, as well as sharp hyperfine-split photoassociative spectra on the red wings of each line and also on the blue wings. Possible explanations of these features are discussed.
Atomic line self‐broadening was observed in ultracold cesium. Using resonant ionization detection we were able to photoassociate atoms into excited states of ultracold molecules below the second excited PJ atomic asymptotes Cs(6S1/2) + Cs(7P1/2) and Cs(6S1/2) + Cs(7P3/2). We were able to observe blue detuned satellite band features at 560 MHz and 800 MHz above the 7P1/2 and 7P3/2 atomic limits, respectively, as well as sharp hyperfine split features on the blue and red side of the atomic resonances. Such spectral features can be qualitatively supported by the local maxima in the long range molecular structure beyond 50 Å.