Low-energy electron capture by free C-60 and the importance of polarization interaction

Cross-sections for slow electron capture by neutral C-60 have been measured by beam-depletion spectroscopy in the 0-3 eV energy range. The data confir m the existence of a very strong low-energy attachment peak. The general tr end of the cross-section curve follows that of the Langevin mechanism of el ectron capture by the long-range polarization field of the fullerene. The s ticking probability of an attracted electron is less than unity and display s an energy-dependent structure, reflecting an interplay between the effect s of particle symmetry, size, and polarization. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B .V. All rights reserved.