ELECTRONIC-TRANSITIONS IN C60 AND ITS IONS

The electronic spectrum of C60 is calculated using quantum mechnical methods. The first allowed transition in C60 is calculated at an energy of 3.5 eV and with an oscillator strength of 0.09. Several transitions are found at higher energies with comparatively strong oscilator strengths, the strongest one being at 5.78 eV (lambda = 214 nm). The calculated energy level diagram of C60 is also used to predict wavelengths for transitions in C60+ and C60-. A comparision is made with some recently observed diffuse interstellar bands at 1180 nm and 1320 nm, which have been speculated to originate from C60+.