Electromagnetic Characterization of Complex-Shaped Carbon Nanotubes Using Characteristic Mode Analysis
Abstract
Advances in fabrication techniques have recently allowed the synthesis of Carbon
Nanotubes (CNTs) with controlled complex shapes. For example, CNTs with one or more
branches sprouting off the main CNT axis, forming unique Y-shaped and K-shaped carbon
nanostructures, have recently been fabricated. The angle at each junction and the properties
of each branch can be varied by the careful control of the fabrication conditions. In addition
to their complex shapes, the conductivity of these nanostructures is not uniform especially
at the locations of defects and at junctions where the different CNT branches interface. In
this work, we calculate the electromagnetic scattering characteristics of carbon nanotubes
with complex shapes. Moreover, we quantify the electromagnetic response of these
complex carbon nanostructures using Characteristic Mode Analysis (CMA). CMA
decomposes the current of a scatterer in terms of a set of fundamental modes, and it
evaluates the relative significance of each mode at a certain frequency. By studying the
differences in mode behavior, we will use CMA to explain how the electromagnetic
response of complex carbon nanostructures, such a Y-shaped and K-shaped nanostructures,
differ from that of pristine straight CNTs. These results will pave the way for using these
complex CNT nanostructures in novel sensor, nanoelectronics, and smart composites
applications.
Table of Contents
Introduction -- Mathematical methods -- Simulation results -- Conclusion
Degree
M.S.