Tans and Dekker sent an electrical charge through the tube, causing electrons to be transported through it. By measuring the charge field at several points on the tube with an Atomic Force Microscope, the two researchers from Delft discovered all kinds of local charge-differences. We had not expected this. One of the problems on which the research group will shortly concentrate is the question why the charge is divided into groups at 40 nm intervals. In the future we will research the effects of mechanical deformation, a kink for example, on the conductivity of the nano-tube.
New technologies make it possible to bend the tubes controllably.