Thermally and molecularly stimulated relaxation of hot photons in suspended carbon nanotubes

The high-bias electrical properties of suspended metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are investigated at various temperatures in vacuum, in various gases, and when coated with molecular solids. The results reveal that the gas molecules surrounding suspended SWNTs assist the relaxation of hot phonons and afford enhanced current flow along nanotubes.