Density-Functional-Theory Studies of C₂₀ in Femtosecond Laser Pulses

We study the electron response of C₂₀ excited by strong femtosecond laser pulses by applying the time−dependent local-density approximation, an approach which has proven to provide a robust tool for investigations of fullerene. The optical response as well as the full electronic dipolar response and ionization processes of C₂₀ subject to the laser field are explored. A strong correlation between induced electronic dipole oscillations and electron emission is observed.