الخلاصة:
We present numerical studies of quantum walks on C60 and related graphene structures,
to investigate their transport properties. Also known as a honeycomb lattice, the lattice
formed by carbon atoms in the graphene phase can be rolled up to form nanotubes of
various dimensions. Graphene nanotubes have many important applications, some of
which rely on their unusual electrical conductivity and related properties. Quantum walks
on graphs provide an abstract setting in which to study such transport properties
independent of the other chemical and physical properties of a physical substance. They
can thus be used to further the understanding of mechanisms behind such properties. We
find that nanotube structures are significantly more efficient in transporting a quantum
walk than cycles of equivalent size, provided the symmetry of the structure is respected in
how they are used. We find faster transport on zig-zag nanotubes compared to armchair
nanotubes, which is unexpected given that for the actual materials the armchair nanotube
is metallic, while the zig-zag is semiconducting.
