Low energy electron attachment to buckminsterfullerene in Rydberg atom-buckminsterfullerene collisions

$C\sb{60}\sp-$ 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 μeV, 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.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Natural Sciences

Grantor

Rice University

Year dc:date.issued

1996

Author dc:creator

• Finch, Carla D.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Dunning, F. B.

• Atomic physics
• Molecular physics

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1911/14097

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.rice.edu:1911/14097