Torsional electromechanical quantum oscillations in carbon nanotubes (original) (raw)

Carbon nanotubes can exhibit distinct metallic or semiconducting properties based on their chirality and diameter. This research demonstrates that mechanical torsion can continuously vary the chirality, inducing conductance oscillations attributable to periodic metal-semiconductor transitions in multiwalled carbon nanotubes. The conductance oscillation period aligns with theoretical predictions regarding the first Brillouin zone of graphene. Beyond a critical torsional threshold, conductance experiences an irreversible decline due to torsional failure, indicating the torsional strength of carbon nanotubes. Given their unique electromechanical properties, carbon nanotubes hold promise as sensors for torsional motion in nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS), suggesting potential applications in advanced nanoscale sensors and actuators.