-> Buckyballs were well after I got my Chem degree in '67, and 
  
That's three years more recent than when I got mine. 
  
-> I've been in IT since.  But from what I understand, modelling 
-> this as a "super benzene ring", it wouldn't be
"charged"--it's 
-> an organic molecule.  There are molecular orbitals similar to 
-> atomic orbitals, though their energy levels aren't nearly as 
-> precise--which is why dyes radiate/absorb over wide bands. 
-> I'd say the electrons can do the QM jump between orbitals and 
-> radiate, but I'm not sure I'd consider that a moving charge. 
  
If buckyballs behave like huge "aromatic" molecules, then there are 
large numbers of electrons (one per carbon atom, I think) that can roam 
fairly freely over the surface of the ball, occupying an equal number 
of almost-degenerate orbitals that are formed from the overlapping "p" 
orbitals of the atoms. These delocalized electrons could vibrate around 
the ball, forming standing-waves of charge on the surface. As these 
waves change, radiation would be absorbed or emitted. 
  
I think.... 
  
                         dow 
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