cw laser ionization ofC60andC70

Abstract
‘‘Delayed’’ photoionization of the all-carbon cage fullerene molecules C60 and C70 is observed using a weakly focused cw argon ion laser (flux I<105 W/cm2). At these fluxes photoexcitation occurs incoherently and so slowly that intersystem crossing must be occurring simultaneously. A ‘‘thermionic emission’’ model adequately describes the delayed ionization.