Semiconducting carbon nanotubes have a direct bandgap, which means that they could form the basis of nanoscale light sources. However, nanotubes tend to emit light over a broad range of wavelengths and directions. Placing the nanotube in a microcavity reduces the spectral width of the output and makes the emission highly directional. This microcavity-controlled, current-driven on-chip emitter is thus an important first step in the development of nanotube-based nanophotonic devices.
- Fengnian Xia
- Mathias Steiner
- Phaedon Avouris
