Conductivity of fullerite structures under different types of pressure

The crystalline state of fullerene C/sub 60/, called fullerite, is a semiconductor with a wide band gap. The type of bond between C/sub 60/ molecules in fullerite crystals means that the resistance of fullerite changes dramatically as result of applied pressure. In principal, fullerene can be used as a functional material for electronic devices or sensors. The technical realization of fullerite sensors is not easy, but the measured properties depend, to some extent, on the structure of the fullerite used. The paper describes an investigation of the pressure dependence of fullerite conductivity for differently assembled C/sub 60/ structures. It was found that fullerite powder, tubules or thin films can be used. as sensitive material to probe unidirectional mechanical stress and isotropically applied pressure by changes in resistance. As good pressure sensitivity was found from pre-vacuum to at least atmospheric pressure, fullerite-based pressure-sensors can also be applied as vacuum manometers.