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PHYSICS OF OUR DAYS

The C$_{60}$ cluster as a new form of carbon

A. V. Eletskii, B. M. Smirnov

Institute for High Temperatures, USSR Academy of Sciences, Moscow

Abstract: The parameters of a cluster consisting of 60 carbon atoms are presented. Among these are structural, geometric, optical, and energy parameters. Methods of generating C$_{60}$ clusters are investigated. C$_{60}$, is considered as one of the forms of soot that is formed in flames. Properties of a crystal consisting of clusters of C$_{60}$ are analyzed. In particular, such a crystal has a density of 1.3 g/cm$^3$ and a melting point at about 500 K.

UDC: 538.95

PACS: 61.48.+c, 78.30.Na

Received: February 4, 1991

DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0161.199107e.0173

 English version: Physics–Uspekhi, 1991, 34:7, 616–625