Site-Selective Cutting of Carbon Nanotubes by Laser Heated Silicon Tip

We demonstrate cutting of carbon nanotube using the heat generated from the absorbed electromagnetic field at the tip apex of silicon tip that is transferred to the sample by conduction. By varying the incident laser power, the temperature can be controlled and approximated by spectrally resolving the shifted Si–Si Raman peak coupled with the joule heating generated at the tip apex. Topographic imaging and far-field Raman intensity mapping before and after cutting of carbon nanotubes were simultaneously obtained to verify the extent of damage. The technique presented can be used for thermal characterization of various materials requiring nanoscale heat source. ©2010

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