Cluster–cluster fusion

An experimental study of molecular fusion in fullerene–fullerene collisions is presented and the theoretical interpretation of the cross section is reconsidered in terms of phase space arguments and competition with direct collision induced dissociation. The form and absolute magnitude of the cross sections for C+60+C70 (or C+70+C60) and C+70+C70 can be understood, however, the much smaller cross section for C+60+C60 remains a puzzle. The fragmentation behaviour of the hot fusion product is well described by a maximal entropy model indicating equipartition of the centre of mass collision energy followed by statistical fragmentation. To cite this article: E.E.B. Campbell et al., C. R. Physique 3 (2002) 341–352.