Diffraction by finite-size crystalline bundles of single wall nanotubes

Abstract:

We calculate the diffraction spectrum of finite-size crystalline bundles of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT). The general profile of the spectrum as well as the width and position of the (1 0) diffraction peaks of the 2-D lattice of bundles depend on the tubes symmetry, distribution of tubes diameters and diameter of the bundles. Consequently, any attempt to derive the mean-diameter of the tubes from a diffraction spectrum requires to consider the diameters distribution of the tubes and the size of the bundles. Experimental diffraction profiles of various single wall nanotubes samples are well fitted by the calculated spectra.