Fragmentation of ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$: Experimental detection of C, ${\mathrm{C}}_2$, ${\mathrm{C}}_3$, and ${\mathrm{C}}_4$ by xuv postionization

We report experimental evidence for the loss of neutral ${\mathrm{C}}_2$ from photoexcited ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ and ${\mathrm{C}}_{70}$. These species are detected by postionization with xuv radiation. Interestingly, C, ${\mathrm{C}}_3$, and ${\mathrm{C}}_4$ also are products in the nascent distribution. An upper limit to the translational energy release into C atoms has been obtained using a resonant autoionization transition. The detection of these products gives insight into the fragmentation mechanism of fullerenes and may also have an impact on the field of fullerene formation.