Electronic Structure Modulations of Radially Deformed Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes under Transverse External Electric Fields

The electronic structure of radially deformed single walled carbon nanotubes under transverse external electric fields is studied by self-consistent density functional theory methods. The energy band structure modifications are analyzed, revealing that the admixture of the different states and increased σ−π hybridization are responsible for opening and/or closure of the energy band gap. We find that the nanotube energy gap modulations can be achieved for various combinations of the degree of deformation, electric field strengths, and orientations with respect to the radial nanotube cross section, thus providing additional capabilities for experimental applications of carbon nanotubes.