Detection of the linear carbon cluster C-10: Rotationally resolved diode-laser spectroscopy

Detected in interstellar space and as intermediates in soot formation, mole cules of pure carbon in the form of linear chains or ring structures (see p icture) have interested researchers for several decades, who attempt to elu cidate their physical properties and the processes govering their formation . A high-resolution infrared spectrometer housing a tunable diode laser and combined with an effective laser ablation source for the cluster productio n has been used to study the molecular properties of small carbon clusters; reported herein is the first gas-phase spectrum of linear C-10.