Abstract

Absorption spectra are detected for C60− and C602− produced electrolytically in solution at room temperature. Theoretical analysis of the spectrum of C60− by CNDO/S calculations gives an interpretation of the characteristic near-IR bands, the weak visible bands, and the strong bands in the UV region. The emission spectrum of C60− is a mirror image of the near-IR absorption band, and the detection of the emission reconfirms our original assignment of the absorption spectrum. The nature of the spectrum of C602− is characterized by a similar orbital picture to that of C60−. Further laser experiments of significance are proposed.