Electrons rock and roll in nanotubes

The rolled sheets of carbon atoms known as nanotubes have attracted attention for their potential to usher in a new generation of molecule-based electronics. On such a scale, researchers say, electrons coursing along nanotubes should reveal their quantum mechanical nature. No one had actually imaged such effects, however.

Because of its wave nature, an electron will more likely appear at the white disks than elsewhere on the regular atomic lattice (outlined in white) of a carbon nanotube.