Comment on “Intrinsic electron transport properties of carbon nanotube Y-junctions” [Appl. Phys. Lett. 81, 5234 (2002)]

Electronic transport in metal-soldered carbon-nanotube multiterminal junctions

“…18,19 The experimental findings were supported by our theoretical calculations, which demonstrated that Y junctions made of SWCN and having all their branches of finite lengths exhibit ballistic rectification and switching properties for various bias configurations. [20][21][22] Here we extend our calculations for three-terminal SWCN junctions obtained using soldering of individual SWCNs.…”

“…The present results demonstrate that the transport properties of the Y and T junctions are strongly dependent on their inherent properties as previously demonstrated in our earlier works for the nonsoldered junctions. [20][21][22] This inherent characteristic depends on the symmetry of the "spacer" region 21 ͑i.e., the region that joins the three branches͒ and the way this is bonded to the branches. In the absence of this inherent characteristic, the spacer of the soldered junctions reduces the transport pathways which deviate from the straight trajectories.…”

Are electrical switching and rectification inherent properties of carbon nanotube Y junctions?

“…The experimental findings were supported by theoretical calculations which clearly demonstrated that Y junctions made of single walled carbon nanotubes ͑SWCNs͒ and having all their branches of finite lengths exhibit ballistic rectification and switching properties for various bias configurations. [4][5][6] These properties were found to be more pronounced when the angle between the branches was acute and in C 2v symmetry configuration with both branches consisting of equal lengths and for arbitrary stem lengths. The Y junctions used in the calculations were devoid of any metal particles leading to the suggestion that these properties of the SWCN Y junctions are inherent properties of the junctions and are most likely the consequence of the symmetry ͑and especially that of the junction͒ of the tubes.…”

“…Molecularly perfect carbon nanotubes have been seen as ideal candidates for futuristic device applications and have attracted increased interest. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] In particular, the threeterminal configurations of nanotubes may be used in devices requiring gating for power gains and transisting applications. The experimental discovery of rectification properties in Y junctions made of multiwalled carbon nanotubes ͑MWCNs͒ has generated tremendous interest.…”

Response to “Comment on ‘Intrinsic electron transport properties of carbon nanotube Y junctions’ ” [Appl. Phys. Lett. 83, 1674 (2003)]

“…More precisely, our results demonstrated the critical role played by the contacts in the rectification process, an effect notably overlooked by the authors of the present comment. 2,3 The issue related to the importance of the applied bias potential profile in the rectifying behavior was clearly mentioned in our original work. In the following paragraphs, we offer a brief response to the comment of Andriotis et al…”