Detected in interstellar space and as intermediates in soot formation, molecules of pure carbon in the form of linear chains or ring structures have interested researchers for several decades, who attempt to elucidate 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 production has been used to study the molecular properties of small carbon clusters; reported herein is the first gas-phase spectrum of linear C10.
© 2001 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH, Weinheim, Fed. Rep. of Germany.