Review of two microwave applications of carbon nanotubes: nano-antennas and nano-switches

This paper provides an overview of two potential applications of carbon nanotube devices in microwave technology. Firstly, the main structural, mechanical, thermal and electronic properties of carbon nanotubes are briefly reviewed. Then, the possibilities offered by metallic carbon nanotubes as nano-antennas in the E- and W-bands and further are investigated: comparison with macroscopic wire antennas is made, the major advantages brought by nanotubes but also technical issues to be addressed are discussed. Finally, the integration of carbon nanotubes in nano-electro-mechanical-systems (NEMS) is studied through nano-switches: the contribution of carbon nanotubes is detailed, state-of-the-art is described, as well as our future approaches for such nano-devices. To cite this article: S. Demoustier et al., C. R. Physique 9 (2008).