Internal laser-induced dipole force at work in C60 molecule -: art. no. 203004

We show how the many electron response of a complex molecule to an intense laser field can be incorporated with the single active electron picture. This enables us to introduce an "over-the-barrier" model for C-60(z+) ionization, valid for long wavelength light. Using infrared radiation, we confirm the model and also produce stable, highly charged C-60 reaching C-60(12+), the highest charge state ever observed. At high intensities and high charge states the internal laser-induced dipole force and rapid charging lead to stress on the molecule. The interplay between the forces provides control and suggest strategies for reaching even higher charge states.