Abstract :
We have conducted X-ray diffraction experiments in order to examine modifications in the crystal structure of C60 following compression under 31.1 GPa in a diamond anvil cell at room temperature. The material under ambient and 31.1 GPa is further characterized by laser Raman spectroscopy. The high pressure phase is identified as a mixture of body-centered orthorhombic (Immm), rhombohedral (R3̄m), and an unidentified phase.