We report on the production of large carbon-based toroids (CBTs) from fullerenes. The process involves two-step laser irradiation of a mixed fullerene target (76% C-60, 22% C-70). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) clearly identifies toroidal-shaped structures as well as Q-shaped constructs. The typical diameters of the CBTs are similar to 0.2-0.3 mu m with tubular diameters of similar to 50-100 nm, but toroids as wide as 0.5 mu m are observed making them nanostructures on the verge of being microstructures. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.