Tony Heinz
Department of Physics Columbia University Email:    tfh3@columbia.edu http://heinz.phys.columbia.edu

Single-wall carbon nanotubes constitute a remarkable model system for the investigation of electrons confined to one dimension.  Indeed, carbon nanotubes of well-defined crystal structure and nanometer diameter can be grown to lengths of millimeters. 

After reviewing some of the electrical and thermal properties of these unusual materials, we will describe recent advances in understanding the excited-state properties and dynamics in these systems through optical spectroscopy.  Current techniques permit us to probe electron dynamics on the femtosecond time scale, to investigate carrier-carrier interactions, and to reach the limit of probing individual single-wall nanotubes.  Such research provides insight into the physics of 1-dimensional materials. It also lays the groundwork for potential new optoelectronic applications of nanotubes to complement the recent progress in their use for electronic devices.