Infrared spectroscopy of fullerenes

This review summarizes the present status of the application of IR spectroscopy to the field of fullerene science. In accord with the amount of published work the report concentrates to a large extent on the C60 molecule in its neutral and charged form in a crystalline environment. After a short introduction to the basic terminologies and properties of fullerenic materials a detailed description of the response of pristine C60 the IR radiation is given. It includes a review on the vibrational fine structure, the isotope effects, and the influence of the structural phase transitions. For the case of the doped material the response of the free carriers and their interaction with the vibrational modes as observed in the IR spectra is reviewed, including the case of high-temperature superconductivity. Special attention is paid to the colourful behaviour of the phases AC60 and to the air stability of this compounds. In the final part of the review selected examples are given for the application of IR spectroscopy to higher fullerenes and to fullerene-derived materials.