Nanomechanics of fiber-like nanomaterials

Property characterization of nanomaterials is challenged by the small size of the structure because of the difficulties in manipulation. Here we demon strate a novel approach that allows a direct measurement of the mechanical properties of individual nanotube-like structures by in-situ transmission e lectron microscopy (TEM). The technique is powerful in a way that it can di rectly correlate the atomic-scale microstructure of the carbon nanotube wit h its physical properties, providing a one-to-one correspondence in structu re-property characterization. Applications of the technique will be demonst rated on mechanical properties, the electron field emission and the ballist ic quantum conductance in individual nanotubes.