Experimental Demonstration of Nanoscale Digital Receiver with Carbon Nanotube

Carbon nanotube (CNT) exhibits outstanding thermal properties and electrical conductivity, and is one of the most promising nano-materials. Several research groups have attempted to achieve digital data transfer in potential nanoscale wireless terminals using nanomaterials. Although conceptual investigations have been reported, the fundamental capability of the transfer particularly in the presence of noise has not yet been discussed. Here, we experimentally demonstrate digital data transfer with a nanoscale receiver that detects the signal using a vibrational CNT nano-antenna. A digital image is transferred, even in the presence of noise; with the introduction of an error-correcting code and a novel digital signal processing technique suitable for nanomechanical systems, the nanoscale receiver is demonstrated to be capable of digital transfer. This small but robust nanomechanical receiver will contribute to the forthcoming data-oriented age of Internet of Things and artificial intelligence-based systems.