This research investigates thermal transport across carbon nanotube (CNT) contacts by manipulating contact positions, overlapping length, and crossing angles. Using a movable nano-manipulator integrated within an electron microscope with a nanofabricated thermal sensor, the study measured thermal contact resistance (TCR) at van der Waals junctions. Results show that TCR significantly varied with contact morphology, spanning two orders of magnitude, highlighting the strong influence of structural non-uniformity and surface contamination on nanoscale heat transfer. This in-situ approach guides the control of heat at the nanoscale.

Dawei Li, Koji Takahashi, Qin-Yi Li