Characterization of nanotubes as microscale beam manipulators: transmission of neutral atoms and low-energy ions

Physical processes related to the passage of low-energy ions and atoms (plasma particles) in cylindrical channels (nanotubes) are discussed. It is shown that dynamics of particle motion inside the channel (at angles of incidence up to 0.2 rad) is governed by initial entrance conditions. The transverse motion is well described by broken-line trajectories. Different contributions to the lateral (frictional) forces are compared and shown to be dependent on the charge state of particles. For long channels, the particles are neutralized and experience very low lateral forces. As a result, the penetration depth grows by one to two orders of value. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.