LASER-INDUCED GRAPHITIZATION OF FULLERITE

Ordered graphitic micro- and nano-structures have been produced by inf rared pulsed laser irradiation of fullerite in air and in helium. A ch aracterization of the irradiated regions has been performed by scannin g electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. We have ob served the formation of linear graphitic braids and hollow polyhedral onions. Our experiments provide new elements for a detailed understand ing of fullerene disruption and coalescence of fullerene precursors un der various physico-chemical conditions. The relevance of these proces ses for the synthesis of different carbon allotropes is also addressed .