Nanotube electronics: Non-CMOS routes

In this paper we review recent advances in controlled fabrication of carbon nanotubes of uniform diameter, length, and spacing, discuss their fundamentals, and present some of their possible applications in the broad context of nanotube electronics. The focus is placed on the fundamental properties, the underlying physics, and applications in acquiring information and executing information. The more traditional information processing roles of electronics and CMOS-like routes are intentionally excluded from this review. Directions and prospects of some future advances of both the nanotube technology itself and its applications are examined with the aid of a few specific examples at the end.