Scattering cross sections for low-energy alkali cation +C-60 collisions: The relevance of polarization

Total scattering cross sections for low-energy collisions of C-60 fullerene with alkali ions are theoretically estimated using an accurate spherical p otential approximation. These cross sections show the relevance of polariza tion effects. Our results indicate a way in which collisional experimental methods could be used to measure the high polarizabilities of C-60 and othe r fullerenes. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-9606(99)01620- 7].