Investigation of the absorption edge of ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ fullerite

Absorption measurements on single crystals of ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ fullerite have been performed as a function of temperature, hydrostatic pressure, and magnetic field in the optical visible range. Various structures observed in the fundamental absorption edge are assigned to excitonic transitions based on comparison with calculations, including many-electron and electron-hole interaction effects. The strength of the electron-phonon interaction is discussed in view of these results.