A low-cost Raman spectrometer design used to study Raman scattering from a single-walled carbon nanotube

Abstract

The paper discusses the design of a low cost Raman spectrometer. Singlewalled nanotubes (SWNT) have been studied to demonstrate the reach of such a system. We observe both the radial-breathing mode (RBM) and the tangential mode from the SWNT. The tube diameters of the SWNT used in these experiments have been determined using RBM to be predominantly 1×4 and 1×6nm. These are consistent with the TEM images taken of the same sample. The new method of producing SWNT using Ni–Y catalyst in electric-arc discharge method produces nanotubes with very small dispersion in diameter and high yields. The chirality of the SWNT can be deduced from their radial breathing modes, and it suggests that they are metallic in nature.