From straight carbon nanotubes to Y-shaped junctions and rings

We explore quantum interference effects in the electronic transport properties of single-walled carbon nanotube junctions. Remarkable changes in the electrical conductance are found by varying the length of one of the junction’s arms. Owing to the relatively high electron mobility in carbon nanotubes, we show that a double-slit-like electron interferometer may be fabricated by joining two Y-shaped carbon nanotube junctions. These nanostructures have very interesting electrical characteristics that may be manipulated by altering geometrical aspects of the junctions.