Data on the
(5s1/2+5p1/2)1g 87Rb2 state under the
D1 limit, provided by a photoassociation experiment on cold atoms, have been analyzed by an improved LeRoy-Bernstein (LRB) approach including linear and nonlinear terms and provide a
c6 value of the potential. To do that, using a model for hyperfine structure shifts, we have first subtracted the hyperfine effects in the split lines and deduced the vibrational energies. Then, we have compared three LRB-type models to fit the data. We conclude that the second-order improved LRB is well suited and allows us to deduce an experimental value of
c6 [${c}_{6}=(15.14\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{4}$ a.u.].
We have studied polarization effects in the photoassociation of two colliding ultra-cold Na-atoms. In a first step the two colliding atoms absorb a laser photon to associate to a singly excited molecule in a bound state of the 0g− or 1g potential. In a second step the excited molecule absorbs a second photon and is further excited to a bound level in a doubly excited potential (0u− or 1u which are autoionizing). By measuring the produced ions with parallel and perpendicular polarizations of the two laser beams used possible polarization effects can be studied. We find strong polarization effects if a 0g− state is used as the intermediate state and very little or no effects at all if a 1g state is used.