Preface

One-dimensional (1D) nanostructures represent a group of nanomaterials with highly anisotropic morphologies, the smallest dimension falling in the range of 1–100 nm. Typical examples of 1D nanostructures include nanowires and nanotubes. Semiconductor nanowires are characterized by the efficient transport of electrons and excitons, and have been regarded as the most promising building block for nanoscale electronic and optoelectronic devices. Nanosystems can be built from these elements using metallic nanowires as interconnects. Carbon nanotubes, either semiconducting or metallic, are mechanically robust and chemically stable, suggesting numerous potential applications in nanoelectronics. The growth, characterization, and applications of 1D nanostructures invoke all disciplines of science and engineering. As a result, scientists working in one area need to go beyond their own expertise to obtain a broad view of the whole field. The objective of this book is to elucidate the fundamental, underlying science common to 1D nanostructures and their applications. The result is a representative snapshot of the latest developments from diverse perspectives in a series of chapters from highly engaged scientists. In Chaps. 1–4, particular emphasis is placed on synthesis of nanowires. Chap. 1 summarizes the controversy regarding nanowire growth mechanisms and proposes a Si-assisted growth model. Chap. 2 reviews the synthesis and properties of SiC 1D nanostructures, in both experiments and theories. Chap. 3 deals with selforganization of Si-based nanowires. Chap. 4 demonstrates the formation of largescale arrays of addressable Si nanowires, with controllable dimension, placement, and orientation, showing the promise for integration of nanowires into device architectures. Chaps. 5–7 focus on the property characterization of nanowires. Chap. 5 reveals the extreme optical anisotropy of individual nanowires and of nanowire ensembles. Chap. 6 offers a numerical method for a better description of the plasmonic properties of silver nanowires. Chap. 7 investigates electromagnetic nanowire resonances for field-enhanced spectroscopy. The progress made toward applications is discussed in Chaps. 8–10. Chap. 8 is devoted to detailed analysis of engineering contact barriers and their impact on the electrical transport properties of carbon nanotube field-effect transistors. Chap. 9