Abstract

The integrated application within random carbon nanotube networks (CNT) to carry and fuse information, as well as perform simple sensing, is explored. One may imagine small CNT networks with functionalized nanotubes simultaneously sensing multiple targets in-vivo for unprecedented understanding of biological pathways. This is clearly distinct from the traditional convoluted approach of using CNT networks to construct transistors that are in turn used to construct communication networks. With random CNT network layouts, routing of information is an integral part of the physical layer. A Mathematica analysis for evaluating random CNT networks has been developed and used to verify design characteristics. The graph spectrum of the CNT network is used to determine resistance and electron mobility characteristics. Thus, we have been able to find relationships among CNT network structure and electron mobility. The nanotube density allows for an increase in the number of bits per square meter of information transfer compared to wireless communication. Consider a wireless network; a typical bit-meters/second capacity is limited in a traditional wireless network. The maximum wireless capacity approximation in a wireless broadcast media is contrasted with a CNT network; we look at the efficiency of CNT networks to carry information and compare with theoretical limits.