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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 March 2011
Using state of the art quantum calculations, we have studied the electronic and transport properties of a variety of nanotube-based structures relevant for the design of nanoscale electronic devices. We have investigated the conductance of carbon nanotubes under mechanica distortions such as bending, defects and tube-tube contacts, and analyzed the behavior of carbon nanotube-metal contacts with the aim of explaining the anomalously large contact resistance observed in nanotube devices. Our results provide a clear interpretation of recent experimenta findings and suggest avenues for the use of carbon nanotubes in electromechanical systems.