Receiving and transmitting light-like radio waves: Antenna effect in arrays of aligned carbon nanotubes

Abstract

We present optical measurements of random arrays of aligned carbon nanotubes, and show that the response is consistent with conventional radio antenna theory. We first demonstrate the polarization effect, the suppression of the reflected signal when the electric field of the incoming radiation is polarized perpendicular to the nanotube axis. Next, we observe the interference colors of the reflected light from an array, and show that they result from the length matching antenna effect. This antenna effect could be used in a variety of optoelectronic devices, including THz and IR detectors.