New insights show universal applicability of carbyne as a sensor

Researchers from the University of Vienna, collaborating with teams across Austria, Italy, France, China, and Japan, have uncovered new insights into the quantum mechanical interactions between carbyne—a linear chain of carbon atoms—and carbon nanotubes. Utilizing Raman spectroscopy, advanced theoretical models, and machine learning, the team observed that while carbyne and the surrounding nanotube are electronically isolated, they exhibit a strong coupling between their vibrational modes. 

This unexpected interaction suggests that carbyne can serve as a highly sensitive sensor, capable of detecting external influences through changes in its vibrational state. The study, published in Nature Communications, highlights the potential of carbyne in developing advanced materials and nanoscale sensors.