Researchers at Rice University have developed highly ordered films of chiral carbon nanotubes that convert light frequencies at rates significantly higher than conventional materials. This breakthrough confirms long-standing theoretical predictions about second harmonic generation in one-dimensional carbon structures. These ultrathin, flexible films could lead to more efficient optical communications, photonic chips, and light-based computing systems. By isolating nanotubes with a single handedness, the team created a material that improves the interaction between light and matter, potentially reducing the energy footprint of high-speed data processing.
