Computer simulation study of the ground-state structures of singly ionized clusters of ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ molecules

Using a model potential which combines the spherically averaged Girifalco potential and a point polarizable dipole electrostatic model, we computed the ground-state structures of singly ionized clusters of ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ molecules and compared the results with predictions derived for neutral ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ clusters using Girifalco’s potential. The structures of the simulated ionized fullerene clusters were similar to those of the corresponding neutral clusters, in keeping with the conclusions inferred recently by Branz et al. [Phys. Rev. B $66,$ 094107 (2002)] from time-of-flight mass spectrometry experiments.