Laser pruning of carbon nanotubes as a route to static and movable structures

Abstract

A simple focused laser beam pruning method used to fabricate unique two- and three-dimensional static structures without a pre-patterned substrate and under ambient conditions was reported. By exploiting th elastic nature of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), microscopic, 3D, movable CNT structures, readily controlled by laser light, were constructed. Thus, it could be useful for potential micro-optomechanical and field emission device applications.