This book of renowned scholars from MIT and from the University of Electro-Communications in Tokyo provides a systematic description of the structure of carbon nanotubes and of their physical nature. The volume starts from background information on the structure and properties of graphite and related carbon materials. Based on the geometric structure of carbon nanotubes, the electronic properties and phonon dispersion relations are explained on simple physical models. The book starts from the first principles and through the physical models explains and interprets numerous experiments.

After two background chapters the book continues with nine specialized topics. The geometrical structure of nanotubes is described and linked to their electronic features. A comprehensive article deals with synthesis of carbon nanotubes. The following chapter concentrates on quantization produced by confinement of electrons in one-dimensional nanotubes. Physical connections of carbon nanotubes are then discussed - their geometry and electrical conductance. Transport properties of nanotubes are analyzed in the next chapter, using quantum transport in a one-dimensional wire. Phonon modes of nanotubes follow and are treated by the zone-folding technique. Raman spectra of nanotubes are then surveyed. The volume ends with a chapter on elastic properties of nanotubes.

The book is a well organized systematic treatise that should be enjoyed by any researcher in the field as well as by graduate students. Theories and experiments are truly organically linked in the text and this is its unique feature. The volume has 259+xii pages, lists 238 references, and also includes some useful Fortran computer codes for geometry generations. The book is published by Imperial College Press (http://www.icpress.co.uk) and distributed by World Scientific Publ. Co. ((http://www.wspc.com.sg).