Curvature-induced quantum behaviour on a helical nanotube

We investigate the effect of curvature on the behaviour of a quantum particle bound to move on a surface shaped as a helical tube. We derive and discuss the governing Schrodinger equation and the corresponding quantum effective potential which is periodic and points to the helical configuration as more energetically favorable as compared to the straight tube. The exhibited periodicity also leads to energy band structure of pure geometrical origin. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.