Nanotube phonon waveguide
Journal
Physical Review Letters
Journal Volume
99
Journal Issue
4
Pages
045901-1 - 045901-4
Date Issued
2007
Author(s)
Abstract
We find that the high thermal conductivity of carbon nanotubes remains intact under severe structural deformations while the corresponding electrical resistance and thermoelectric power show compromised responses. Similar robust thermal transport against bending is found for boron nitride nanotubes. Surprisingly, for both systems the phonon mean free path exceeds the characteristic length of structural ripples induced by bending and approaches the theoretical limit set by the radius of curvature. The robustness of heat conduction in nanotubes refines the ultimate limit that is far beyond the reach of ordinary materials.
Publisher
American Physical Society
Type
journal article