Mechanical control of magnetic states of finite carbon chains encapsulated in single wall carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Effects of a lateral strain on finite carbon chains encapsulated in armchair carbon nanotubes are investigated using spin-polarized density functional theory. A strain induced transition between magnetic and nonmagnetic states of the encapsulated carbon chain is predicted at certain value of the applied strain which can be easily achieved experimentally, due to variation in interaction strength between the single wall carbon nanotube and the encapsulated carbon chain. Furthermore, this transition is reversible within a certain range of the applied strain. The proposed mechanical control of magnetic state of the hybrid system opens possibility for nanodevices such as mechanomagnetic switch or piezomagnetic sensors. © 2010 American Institute of Physics.