THE DIELECTRIC FUNCTION OF DIMERIZED C59N

We present electron energy-loss spectroscopy studies in transmission o f the electronic structure of (C59N)(2). The overall broadening observ ed for the pi-derived structures in the low energy-loss function of (C 59N)(2) when compared to C-60 is due to the reduced symmetry of the he terofullerene. The optical gap of (C59N)(2) is about 1.4 eV, slightly smaller than that of C-60 (1.8 eV). Using a Kramers-Kronig analysis th e dielectric function in the low energy region was calculated. A stati c dielectric function at zero energy of similar to 5.6 is found.