FULLERENES AND CARBON DERIVATIVES - FROM INSULATORS TO SUPERCONDUCTORS

This review is focused on the discussion of the optical properties of various fullerene derivatives. The main emphasis will be devoted to th e alkali-metal-doped superconducting fullerenes (A(3)C(60)) and the li near polymers (AC(60)), With A = K, Rb or Cs. The electrodynamic respo nse will reveal important information about the normal-state propertie s and the nature of the superconducting and broken-symmetry ground sta te of these fullerene derivatives. Moreover, the discussion of the opt ical data will permit us to establish a global comparison with the exp erimental and theoretical state of the art on fullerene materials.