Carbon nanotubes: A new type of emitter in the terahertz range

It is theoretically demonstrated that the electric-field-induced heating of the electron gas in carbon nanotubes can lead to population inversion in the electron subbands, which results in the generation of electromagnetic waves in the terahertz range by hot electrons. This phenomenon can be used for the creation of radiators of a new type, based on carbon nanotubes, for the terahertz frequency range. (C) 2005 Pleiades Publishing, Inc.