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Published on: August 18, 2017
Intensity-resolved IR multiple photon ionization and fragmentation of C60
Joost M Bakker1, Vivike J F Lapoutre, Britta Redlich
1FOM Institute for Plasma Physics, Rijnhuizen, Edisonbaan 14, NL-3439 MN Nieuwegein, The Netherlands. joost.bakker@rijnhuizen.nl
High-intensity infrared laser pulses cause ionization and fragmentation in C(60) molecules. Spatial imaging reveals narrower fragment distributions, indicating controlled energy deposition during infrared multiphoton absorption.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Laser Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Multiple infrared (IR) photon absorption can induce dissociation or ionization in isolated gas-phase molecules.
- Fullerenes, like C(60), possess unique electronic structures susceptible to IR interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of high-intensity, resonant IR laser irradiation on neutral C(60) molecules.
- To analyze the fragmentation and ionization dynamics of C(60) under intense IR fields.
- To explore the potential of advanced laser facilities for studying molecular multiphoton processes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Free-Electron Laser for IntraCavity Experiments (FELICE) beam line for intense IR irradiation.
- Exposed C(60) molecules to high photon densities (approx. 10^23 photons/cm^2) at wavelengths around 20 microm.
- Employed spatial imaging techniques for spatially resolved detection and analysis of photofragment ions.
Main Results:
- Observed significant ionization and extensive fragmentation of C(60) at resonant IR wavelengths.
- Photofragment distributions were linked to absorption in fragmentation products after initial excitation.
- Spatially resolved detection revealed intensity-dependent mass distributions narrower than previously reported.
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrates controlled molecular fragmentation and ionization using intense IR lasers.
- Narrower energy distributions suggest a more precise control over multiphoton absorption processes in C(60).
- Rate-equation modeling supports the observed excitation and fragmentation dynamics.
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