Carbon nanotube Y-junctions for Nanoscale Electronics

Carbon Nanotube (CNT) based electronics offer significant potential, as a nanoscale alternative to silicon based devices, for novel molecular electronics technologies. To realize truly nanoelectronic architecture, it is desirable to have a fully integrated nanotube based technology, where both devices and interconnects are based on CNTs. With this aim in mind, we report on the electrical properties of CNT based Y-junctions. The carrier delocalization and the inevitable presence of catalyst particles, introduced during growth, at the junction region induce a net charge and scattering which can be exploited in constructing electronic devices. We have assembled and electrically characterized the DC resistance and the AC impedance of several Y-junction devices$^{2}$ with possibilities for switching and transistor related applications. These experiments alert us to the vast potentialities of Y-junction devices in the development of nanoelectronic components including inverters, logic gates, and frequency mixers. An electrical impedance model of a MWNT Y-junction will be presented which will help gain an understanding of the current transport mechanisms in these nanostructures. 1. P. Bandaru et al, ``Novel electrical switching behavior and logic in carbon nanotube Y-junctions'', Nature Materials, vol. 4(9), 663-666, (2005) 2. N. Gothard, et al. ``Controlled growth of Y-junction nanotubes using Ti-doped vapor catalyst'', Nanoletters \textbf{4}, 213-217 (2004).