Formation of High Mass Cnclusters (n > 100) by Laser Ablation/Desorption Coupled with Mass Spectrometry

The “in-situ” formation of high mass carbon Cn clusters (n>100) is studied by laser irradiation of the fullerenes C60, C70, C76 and C84 in a Laser Microprobe coupled with Mass Spectrometry (LMMS).The fragmentation of the fullerene by loss of C2 units and the distribution of the obtained coalescence products are strongly depending on the laser power density and the wavelength. This phenomenum is correlated to the reactivity of the C2 fragments.