Self-filtering oscillations in carbon nanotube hetero-junctions

We evaluate the vibrational properties of single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) hetero-junction (HJ) oscillators using a hybrid atomistic-continuum approach validated by molecular mechanics/molecular dynamics simulations. The SWCNT-HJs show a broken symmetry topology of their mode shapes, with striction effects caused on the bending and radial modes by the combined effect of the HJ and the tube with the thinner radius. The single-wall nanotube HJs also show selective mass sensing properties based solely on the geometry and type of the boundary conditions of the specific nanostructure. This unusual behaviour has not been observed so far in classical SWCNT systems.