Condensed Matter Seminar Series

Carbon Nanotube Mechanics and Nanotube-Based Electromechanical Devices

Sean Washburn

University of North Carolina

Thursday November 6, 1:30 pm, Room 234, Physics Building

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are very large molecules with astonishing mechanical and electrical properties. CNTs are also remarkably robust against bending and buckling, which allows them to be manipulated mechanically without plastic damage. Their small size also means that quantum effects can be observed in electromechanical devices. We report on the development of new experimental tools which are particularly useful in the manipulation of CNTs, and we will discuss experimental results on the fundamental mechanical and electrical properties of CNTs in prototype devices.