Mobile ambipolar domain in carbon-nanotube infrared emitters.

We spatially resolve the infrared light emission from ambipolar carbon-nanotube field-effect transistors with long-channel lengths. Electrons and holes are injected from opposite contacts into a single nanotube molecule. The ambipolar domain, where electron and hole currents overlap, forms a microscopic light emitter within the carbon nanotube. We can control its location by varying gate and drain voltages. At high electric fields, additional stationary spots appear due to defect-assisted Zener tunneling or impact ionization. The laterally resolved measurement provides valuable insight into the transistor behavior, complementary to electronic device characteristics.