Electronic Properties of Carbon Nanotube Bundles

Abstract: We use the effective continuum model to study the electronic properties of single-walled carbon nanotube(CNT) bundles, an array of CNTs with their axises parallel to each other, including both commensurate bundles and incommensurate ones. Moiré pattern can appear on the interface between two neighboring tubes by adjusting their chirality. We find that this moiré pattern results in band distortion and in gap opening up to 20 meV. The condition when the distortion is significant is given. In addition, we investigate the interference of phases associated to the orientation of constituent CNTs and to their relative position, which provides a degree of freedom to tune the band structures. This interference in an infinite bundle can either enhance a gap by 6 times or close another gap. Besides, we show that deformation of CNTs under pressure will intensify the band distortion.