Vibrational Spectroscopy of C 60 ...

Abstract

In recent years, astronomical observations, in combination with laboratory spectra and theoretical modeling, have confirmed the presence of C60, and C70 across a broad range of astrophysical objects. Despite expectations that should also be present in space, its detection is difficult to confirm due to both the lack of laboratory gas-phase IR spectra and challenges in calculating its vibrational spectrum. This study presents gas-phase IR spectroscopy of between 6 and 9 μm (1100−1625 cm−1) under astrochemically relevant conditions. The large discrepancies between the experimental and theoretical spectra of highlight the challenges of calculating the complex vibrational spectrum of this ion and emphasize the need for laboratory data for comparison to astronomical observations. Additionally, new spectroscopic data of are provided, showing the mid-IR spectra of both fullerene cations are dominated by features around 7 μm, where strong emission from planetary nebulae is observed. These results are compared with emission from SMP LMC 56 and Tc 1, providing a foundation to search for in space.