PRODUCTION OF C-60 PLASMA

An ultrafine-particle plasma consisting of electrons, positive K+ ions , and large negative C60- ions is produced by introducing ''Buckminste rfullerene, C60'' particles into a low-temperature (congruent-to 0.2 e V) potassium plasma column confined by a strong axial magnetic field. With an increase in the C60-fraction, the electron shielding decreases , yielding clear effects on plasma collective phenomena, which are dem onstrated for low-frequency electrostatic plasma-wave propagations and instabilities. This plasma might be useful for producing new C60-base d materials.