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. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.