Position-Controlled Growth of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes by Laser-Irradiated Chemical Vapor Deposition

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition using Ar-ion laser irradiation as a source of heat. The circular area corresponding to the position of the laser spot in the growing process was characterized by Raman scattering spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed that SWNTs can be synthesized at exactly controlled positions and localized regions. The regions of SWNT growth strongly depended on the power of the laser; therefore, only suitable power from laser irradiation could synthesize SWNTs over an entire circular area. By making a partial improvement to the apparatus, the optical instrument and the laser power, we finally synthesized SWNTs in an extremely localized area of approximately 5 µm in diameter.