Real-time global Raman imaging and optical manipulation of suspended carbon nanotubes

We demonstrate confocal, direct Raman imaging of carbon nanotubes based on the detection of the G-band using an electron multiplying charge coupled detector. Individual carbon nanotubes and bundles of nanotubes are observed in real-time over a large area using global illumination. We use the technique to show that suspended nanotubes can be manipulated selectively with a focused laser beam and describe the relevant physical mechanisms.