Abstract
We report on a method for detecting C60 and other C2n molecules in the vapor phase during their initial growth stage. The technique, which utilizes a Langmuir probe, was originally proposed by Fukuzawa et al. [T. Fukuzawa, M. Shiratani, and Y. Watanabe, Appl. Phys. Lett. 64, 3098 (1994)] for the detection of dust particles in silane plasmas. By measuring the positive and negative saturation currents in the afterglow plasma, the mass ratio of negative and positive ions can be determined. We found that a M−/M+=56±10 occurs only for discharge times greater than 0.5 s. As most of the positively charged species are expected to be singly charged carbon, a mass ratio of 56 is close enough to be attributed to the C60 molecule, in agreement with mass spectroscopy results.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
