The Structures and Vibrational Dynamics of Small Carbon Clusters

Abstract

Molecules composed solely of 3–20 carbon atoms are unique within the class of covalently bound clusters. Not only they constitute accessible models for the transition between molecular and bulk matter but also they are themselves recognized as important chemical intermediates in a number of processes. For example, both laser ablation of polyamide and low pressure combustion of benzene and acetylene produce bare carbon clusters. Pure carbon clusters have been detected in the circumstellar shells of carbon-rich stars. Small carbon clusters have been recognized as important intermediates in the carbon arc synthesis of C60 and other fullerenes. Besides, these species may play pivotal roles in other materials processes, such as diamond thin film growth. This chapter presents a unified picture of what is currently known about small carbon clusters. It discusses the quantum theory of these clusters and describes a new set of infrared laser experiments that have probed the detailed structures and vibrational dynamics of these species.