Circular electron propagation in carbon nanotubes?

In summary, carbon nanotubes can support both linear and circular electron propagation along and around their circumference. While they are commonly known as 1-dimensional conductors, their electronic properties are strongly influenced by their helicity and can affect their overall behavior. While the term "conduction" may not accurately describe electron movement around the circumference, it is possible to observe conduction across the nanotube when it is placed on a conductive surface. Additionally, the helicity of the nanotube plays a significant role in determining the behavior of electrons along its axis.
  • #1
gildomar
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Can carbon nanotubes support electron propagation perpendicular to the axis? That is, can there be circular current flow on the tube's perimeter, not just the linear flow parallel to the axis? Because I reading that it's generally considered a 1-dimensional conductor.
 
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  • #2
gildomar said:
Can carbon nanotubes support electron propagation perpendicular to the axis? That is, can there be circular current flow on the tube's perimeter, not just the linear flow parallel to the axis? Because I reading that it's generally considered a 1-dimensional conductor.
Yes, electrons can propagate around the circumference of the nanotube. They're called 1-dimensional because most of their practical applications employ their conductive properties along the long axis of the wire. But the structure of the tube about its circumference (specifically its twist, or helicity) strongly affects its overall electronic structure: namely, whether the tube is metallic or semiconducting.
 
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  • #3
TeethWhitener said:
Yes, electrons can propagate around the circumference of the nanotube. They're called 1-dimensional because most of their practical applications employ their conductive properties along the long axis of the wire. But the structure of the tube about its circumference (specifically its twist, or helicity) strongly affects its overall electronic structure: namely, whether the tube is metallic or semiconducting.

Ok, cool. Because I thought that it only supporting conduction along the axis sounded a little strange.
 
  • #4
I don't know if I'd really call it "conduction" around the circumference, as that tends to be more of a term applied to macroscopic length scales. But if you localise an electron wavepacket at one area along the circumference, it will spread out around the circumference. I suppose strictly speaking, if you laid a CNT on a gold surface with its axis parallel to the plane and came in from above with, e.g., an STM tip, you'd see conduction across it. I don't know if anyone's done that experiment though. A more important point, though, is that the helicity of the CNT imposes a boundary condition on the propagation of an electron, through its effect on the band structure of the CNT along the axis.
 

Related to Circular electron propagation in carbon nanotubes?

1. What is circular electron propagation in carbon nanotubes?

Circular electron propagation in carbon nanotubes is a phenomenon where electrons move in a circular motion along the length of the nanotube. This behavior is due to the unique structure and properties of carbon nanotubes, which allow for the formation of a strong electric field that causes the electrons to move in a circular path.

2. How does circular electron propagation occur in carbon nanotubes?

Circular electron propagation in carbon nanotubes occurs due to the presence of a strong electric field along the length of the nanotube. This field is generated by the unique arrangement of carbon atoms in the nanotube structure, which creates a gradient in the electron density. This gradient causes the electrons to move in a circular motion, similar to how a charged particle moves in a magnetic field.

3. What are the applications of circular electron propagation in carbon nanotubes?

Circular electron propagation in carbon nanotubes has potential applications in various fields, including electronics, energy conversion, and quantum computing. It can be used to create high-speed electronic devices, efficient energy storage and conversion systems, and for manipulating and controlling individual electrons for quantum computing.

4. How is circular electron propagation studied in carbon nanotubes?

Circular electron propagation in carbon nanotubes is studied using various experimental techniques, such as scanning tunneling microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and electron transport measurements. These techniques allow researchers to observe the behavior of electrons in the nanotubes and understand the underlying mechanisms of circular electron propagation.

5. What challenges are associated with circular electron propagation in carbon nanotubes?

One of the main challenges associated with circular electron propagation in carbon nanotubes is controlling and manipulating the electrons in a precise manner. This requires advanced nanofabrication techniques and precise control over the electric and magnetic fields in the nanotubes. Additionally, there are challenges in integrating carbon nanotubes into practical devices and scaling up production for industrial applications.

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