Effect of Diameter Variation in a Large Set of Carbon Nanotube Transistors

A study involving a large number of carbon nanotube transistors reveals that the nanotube diameter and the metal contact material play key roles in determining the on- and off-state currents of these devices. The results are discussed in terms of the Schottky barrier at the metal-semiconductor junction and the variation of this barrier relative to the alignment of energy levels between the carbon nanotube and the metal.