Lead-molecule coupling effects on the distortion-dependent conductance of carbon nanotubes

The effect of the lead-molecule coupling on the zero-bias conductance of carbon nanotubes as a function of tube distortion is studied. It is shown that the coupling strength can have a dramatic effect on the electromechanical characteristics. Robust conductance as a function of distortion is realized in the strong coupling regime, while sharp oscillations on the conductance for small geometrical changes can be observed in the weak coupling regime. The origin of the phenomenon is traced to the combined effect of the coupling-induced broadening and distortion-induced shifts of the energy levels. © 2008 The American Physical Society.

Duke Scholars

Author Weitao Yang Chemistry