Single Photon Thermal Ionization of C_{60}

Area of Science:

• Physical Chemistry
• Quantum Mechanics
• Astrophysics

Background:

• Fullerenes (C60) are carbon molecules with unique electronic properties.
• Photoionization is a key process in various chemical and physical environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mechanism of C60 ionization after single-photon absorption.
• To characterize the energy distribution of emitted electrons.

Main Methods:

• Experimental setup involving single-photon absorption by C60 molecules.
• Analysis of electron spectra to determine energy distributions.

Main Results:

• Observed indirect, quasithermal boiloff ionization of C60.
• Identified electron spectra following a Boltzmann distribution.
• Measured electron temperatures exceeding 10^4 K.

Conclusions:

• Single-photon absorption can trigger a quasithermal ionization process in C60.
• This ionization mechanism is likely applicable to other large molecules and clusters.
• The findings have potential implications for astrophysical environments.