Abstract
True molecular-scale transistors have been realized using semiconducting carbon nanotubes1,2,3,4,5, but no direct measurements of the underlying electronic structure of these have been made. Here we use a new scanning-probe technique to investigate the potential profile of these devices. Surprisingly, we find that the potential does not vary in a smooth, monotonic way, but instead shows marked modulations with a typical period of about 40 nm. Our results have direct relevance for modelling this promising class of molecular devices.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Tans, S. J., Verschueren, R. M. & Dekker, C. Nature 393, 49– 52 (1998).
Martel, R., Schmidt, T., Shea, H. R., Hertel, T. & Avouris, Ph. Appl. Phys. Lett. 73, 2447– 2449 (1998).
Antonov, R. D. & Johnson, A. T. Phys. Rev. Lett. 83, 3274–3276 (1999).
Soh, H. T. et al. Appl. Phys. Lett. 75, 627– 629 (1999).
Yao, Z., Postma, H. W. Ch., Balents, L. & Dekker, C. Nature 402, 273–276 ( 1999).
Bezryadin, A., Verschueren, A. R. M., Tans, S. J. & Dekker, C. Phys. Rev. Lett. 80, 4036–4039 (1998).
Ando, T. & Nakanishi, T. Phys. Soc. Jpn 67, 1704–1713 (1998).
McEuen, P. L., Bockrath, M., Cobden, D. H., Yoon, Y.-G, Louie, S. G. Phys. Rev. Lett. 83 , 5098–5101 (1999).
Wildoer, J. W. G., Venema, L. C., Rinzler, A. G., Smalley, R. E. & Dekker, C. Nature 391, 59–62 (1998).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Tans, S., Dekker, C. Potential modulations along carbon nanotubes. Nature 404, 834–835 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/35009026
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/35009026
This article is cited by
-
Structure–electrical resistivity relationship of N-doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes
Journal of Materials Science (2012)
-
A novel nanohybrid of daunomycin and single-walled carbon nanotubes: photophysical properties and enhanced electrochemical activity
Biotechnology Letters (2008)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.
