ELECTRON-INDUCED RADIATION FROM C-60 FULLERENE IN THE GAS-PHASE

The formation of radiating particles in the excitation of C-60 fullere ne molecules by electrons with energies E(e) < 100 eV is investigated by the method of crossed molecular and electron beams. A quasicontinuo us (with a spectral resolution of 3 nm) emission spectrum, close to th e Planck emission spectrum of a heated body, is recorded in the wavele ngth range 300-800 nm. The temperature of the radiation corresponds to an internal energy of the C-60 molecule of approximately 40 eV. (C) 1 996 American Institute of Physics.