$C\sb{60}\sp-$ ion formation has been observed in collisions between K(np) Rydberg atoms with principal quantum numbers $\rm35\leq n\leq125,$ which corresponds to electrons with mean energies in the range $\sim$2 meV to $\sim$170 $\mu$eV, and $C\sb{60}$ molecules. This results from Rydberg electron transfer and has permitted study of the low energy electron attachment properties of Buckminsterfullerene, which is known to capture free electrons with energies up to $\sim$12 eV. Present data agree with a previous Rydberg atom study but disagree with theoretical predictions and also with previous free electron-$C\sb{60}$ studies. Results from both theory and the free electron experiments suggest that a potential barrier of $\sim$240 meV exists for electron capture by $C\sb{60},$ preventing electron capture at very low energies. The present data are compared with previous experiments and with theory, and possible explanations for the observed discrepancy, including evidence for an image-charge-bound state of $C\sb{60},$ are discussed.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:RICE/oai:scholarship.rice.edu:1911/14097 |
| Date | January 1996 |
| Creators | Finch, Carla D. |
| Contributors | Dunning, F. B. |
| Source Sets | Rice University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis, Text |
| Format | 58 p., application/pdf |
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