Wavelength-dependent photoconductivity of single-walled carbon nanotube layers

Abstract

A number of electronic devices such as phase shifters, polarizers, modulators, and power splitters are based on tunable materials. These materials often do not meet all the requirements namely low losses, fast response time, and technological compatibility. Novel nanomaterials, such as single-walled carbon nanotubes, are therefore widely studied to fill this technological gap. Here we show how the dielectric constant of single-walled carbon nanotube layers can be substantially modified by illuminating them due to unique light–matter interactions. We relate the optical excitation of the nanotube layers to the illumination wavelength and intensity, by resistance and capacitance measurements. The dielectric constant is modified under laser illumination due to the change of material polarization and free carrier generation, and is shown to not be temperature-related. The findings indicate that SWCNT layers are a prospective tunable optoelectronic material for both high and low frequency applications.