Suspended metallic carbon nanotubes (m-CNTs) exhibit a remarkably large transport gap that can exceed 100 meV. Both experiment and theory suggest that strong electron-electron interactions play a crucial role in generating this electronic structure. To further understand this strongly-interacting system, we have performed electronic measurements of suspended m-CNTs with known...
Carbon Nanotubes are a unique family of nanostructures that have shown remarkable promise for mechanical, electrical, and optical applications. Fundamentally similar to the earlier discovered Buckminsterfullerene (C₆₀), carbon nanotubes are hollow cylinders formed from a single sheet of carbon atoms. The research presented in this dissertation investigates several carbon nanotube...
We study photocurrent generation in individual suspended carbon nanotube pn junctions using spectrally-resolved scanning photocurrent microscopy. Spatial maps of the photocurrent allow us to determine the length of the pn junction intrinsic region, as well as the role of the n-type Schottky barrier. We show that reverse-bias operation eliminates complications...
Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi pseudosclerotia overwinter on the soil surface and produce apothecia in early spring, providing primary inoculum for Mummy Berry Disease of blueberry. Burial under 2.5 cm of soil or the absence of light have previously been identified as critical factors preventing the development of apothecia. Mulches were applied to...
In nanoscale materials, the Coulombic interaction between electrons are stronger than in bulk materials. These stronger interactions, caused by confinement and reduced dielectric screening, have interesting consequences for light-matter interactions. In carbon nanotubes (CNTs), strong interactions can enhance the impact ionization process, and thus assist photocurrent generation in CNTs. Conversely,...
Low-dimensional electronic materials offer a platform to observe biological processes with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are the closest physical analog to an ideal 1D system and can be scaled and integrated into multiplexed electronic circuitry. The molecular structure of a CNT is also biocompatible, making them...
Atomically-thin graphene sheets have unprecedented characteristics for biosensing applications. These characteristics include mechanical flexibility and strength, optical transparency, electrical sensitivity and biocompatibility. The primary theme of this dissertation is the characterization and application of graphene field-effect transistors (FETs) in biologically-relevant physiological environments.Understanding the interface that forms between an electrolyte and...
Ion pairs and solubility related to ion-pairing in water influence many processes in nature and in synthesis including efficient drug delivery, contaminant transport in the environment, and self-assembly of materials in water. Ion pairs are difficult to observe spectroscopically because they generally do not persist unless extreme solution conditions are...