Spatially Resolved Potential Distribution in Carbon Nanotube Cross-Junction Devices

Crossed-nanotube junctions, the basic constituents of carbon nanotube networks, are investigated by scanning photocurrent microscopy. The location of the predominant electrostatic potential drop, at the electrical contacts or at the junction, is found to be highly dependent on the transport regime. Also, whereas Schottky barriers are formed at M-S (metal-semiconductor) nanotube crossings, isotype heterojunctions are formed at S-S ones (figure).