Field emission and current-voltage properties of boron nitride nanotubes

We have measured electrical transport properties of boron nitride nanotubes using an in situ manipulation stage inside a transmission electron microscope. Stable currents were measured in a field emission geometry, but in contact the nanotubes are insulating at low bias. At high bias, the nanotubes show stable, reversible breakdown current. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Ltd.