Characterization of fullerenes by laser-based mass spectrometry

Abstract

Mass characterization of C 60 related high-mass carbon clusters, called fullerenes, and their compounds is of increasing interest as the unique properties of these materials become known. We are using laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometers to investigate direct emission of positive and negative ions and also neutral desorption. We show results on the laser desorption process, namely, desorption thresholds for positive ion, negative ion and neutral desorption and velocity distributions of desorbed neutral particles. Furthermore, post-ionization with the wavelengths 118, 212.8, 266, 355, and 532 nm is investigated.