U.S.-Hungary Materials Research on the Optical Properties of Fullerenes

INT 9902050

Tanner

This U.S.-Hungary research project between David Tanner of the University of Florida and Katalin Kamaras of the Hungarian Institute for Solid State Physics and Optics features sample preparation and use of microspectroscopy for in-situ study of air-sensitive materials in an inert gas atmosphere. The researchers intend to examine the optical properties of fullerenes and fullerene derivatives in crystal and thin film forms. Crystalline samples will be prepared in Budapest and the thin film samples in Gainesville. The intent is to determine the optical functions of several phases of fulleride crystals from the far infrared through ultraviolet frequency ranges. Results are expected to improve our understanding of: 1) the symmetry of fullerene balls, 2) their electronic structure and chemical bonding, and 3) the dynamical properties of mobile charge carriers at metal/fullerene interfaces. This new information should help define a new class of superconducting materials.

This materials research project fulfills the program objective of advancing scientific knowledge by enabling experts in the United States and Central Europe to combine complementary talents and share research resources in areas of strong mutual interest and competence.