Mechanics of atoms interacting with a carbon nanotorus: optimal configuration and oscillation behaviour

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we investigate a carbon nanotorus as a caged molecular structure interacting with an atom. Assuming that the atom is located along the central axis perpendicular to the torus, the interaction energy of the system is determined using the continuum approximation together with the Lennard-Jones potential. This approach avoids the intensive computational calculations that are involved in other modelling approaches. Numerical results are presented in terms of dimensionless variables. The results show that the optimal major radius of the torus has a linear relationship with its minor radius when the atom is symmetrically situated along the torus axis. When the atom is offset from this axis, the minimum energy location shifts away from the centre as the ratio of the major and minor radii exceeds the value of 0.90. Finally, the oscillatory behaviour for the carbon atom is investigated. Our findings predict a novel nano-oscillator which can produce frequencies in the gigahertz range.

KEYWORDS:

• Carbon nanotori
• oscillation
• Lennard-Jones potential
• continuum approximation
• energy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

PS gratefully acknowledges the financial support from the Thailand Research Fund through the Royal Golden Jubilee PhD Program (grant no. PHD/0075/2559). DB is also grateful for the support of the Thailand Research Fund (RSA6180076).