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.
