Symmetry of arbitrary layer rolled-up nanotubes

Abstract

Rolling up of a layer with arbitrary lattice gives nanotube with very reach symmetry, described by a line group which is found for arbitrary diperiodic group of the layer and chiral vector. Helical axis and pure rotations are always present, while the mirror and glide planes appear only for specific chiral vectors in rhombic and rectangular lattices. Nanotubes are not translationally periodical unless layer cell satisfies very specific conditions. Physical consequences, including incommensurability of carbon nanotubes, are discussed.