Simulation of Infrared Absorption Properties of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Photodetectors play a critical role in many areas of modern life. They are commonly used in design and fabrication of infrared (IR) detectors. Several properties such as performance, reliability, cost, weight and extension to terahertz (THz) capability are all important in determining the attributes of photodetectors for particular applications. While different materials have been used over the past several decades to address photodetection needs across the electromagnetic spectrum, the advent of nanomaterials opens new possibilities for photodetectors. In particular, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) possess unique properties that have recently been explored for photodetecting applications. CNTs are well-known for their impressive mechanical, electrical, and optical properties. In this work, the IR absorption properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is investigated and simulated for photodetecting purposes. The effect of wavelength and incidence angle of IR radiation on the absorption properties of CNTs is studied for near-, mid- and far-infrared radiations.