High mass carbon clusters from aromatic hydrocarbons observed by laser mass spectrometry

Laser time-of-flight mass spectra of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons showing positive ions, even-numbered carbon clusters to C{sub 584}{sup +} are reported. Negative ion spectra show clusters through C{sub 200}{sup {minus}}. Four different clustering regions are observed, depending upon laser focus conditions. Laser irradiance plays a key role. Greatly enhanced abundance of C{sub 60}{sup +} reported by others using graphite and other sources of carbon is not observed.