Signal Transmission in Carbon Nanotube Arrays

We demonstrate the possibility of observing Stochastic Resonance (SR) in arrays or averaging structures of carbon nanotubes using theoretical arguments. Such arrays are considered in two different configurations: (i) when all devices have dynamically adjustable conductance gains and threshold voltages; and (ii) when all devices have static, equal conductance gains and threshold voltages. Both configurations are described using Shannon's Information theoretic formalism. Asymptotic expressions for the mutual information of both configurations are derived in the limiting cases of high and low noise. These formulas indicate that: (i) both configurations are equivalent at high noise; (ii) the mutual information of an array of nanotubes with fixed parameters is non-monotonic and is maximized for non-zero noise intensity, thereby fulfilling the criterion for SR. Our results can be used to establish performance bounds on nanoscale architectures with high redundancy factors and to gauge the effect of quantum coherence in such mesoscopic systems.