Rectification Properties of Carbon Nanotube ''Y-Junctions''

Quantum conductivity of single-wall carbon nanotube Y-junctions is calculated. The current versus voltage characteristics of these junctions show asymmetry and rectification, in agreement with recent experimental results. Furthermore, rectification is found to be independent of the angle between the branches of these junctions, indicating this to be an intrinsic property of symmetric Y-junctions. The implications for the Y-junction to function as a nanoscale molecular electronic switch are investigated