Quantum interference effects in electronic transport through nanotube contacts

Quantum interference has dramatic effects on electronic transport through nanotube contacts. In optimal configuration the intertube conductance can approach that of a perfect nanotube (formula presented) The maximum conductance increases rapidly with the contact length up to 10 nm, beyond which it exhibits long-wavelength oscillations. This is attributed to the resonant interference phenomena in the contact region. For two concentric nanotubes symmetry breaking can reduce the maximum intertube conductance from (formula presented) to (formula presented) The phenomena discussed here can serve as a foundation for building nanotube electronic circuits and high-speed nanoscale electromechanical devices.