Green’s function embedding approach to quantum conductivity of single wall carbon nanotubes

Quantum conductivity of carbon nanotubes is calculated using an efficient embedding Green’s function formalism that allows for a realistic nanotube-metal lead contacts. The details of the contact geometry is found to profoundly influence the I–V characteristics. Furthermore, the primary effect of defects in nanotubes is to smooth out the steplike features of the corresponding I–V curve of the pristine tube.