Semiconducting carbon nanotubes exciton probed by electroabsorption spectroscopy

Fundamental optical processes in single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) are governed by excitons and are now extensively studied. However, only few works report on the optoelectronic properties of SWNTs. These studies are mainly theoretical investigations, such as the behavior of the exciton under an electric field or experimental, such as electroluminescence performed on individual SWNT usually in a field effect transistor configuration. Metallic nanotubes and impurities present in raw carbon nanotube samples hinder or drastically reduce optoelectronic phenomenons. In this study, we report electroabsorption experiments performed on s-SWNT samples.

► Electroabsorption spectroscopy performed on index defined semiconducting nanotubes. ► Peak-to-peak assignation of electroabsorption spectrum. ► Electroabsorption in carbon nanotubes is of excitonic origin.