Abstract: An exemplary apparatus facilitates the formation of carbon nanotubes with desired tip structures. The apparatus includes a reaction chamber including a gas outlet, and an evacuation device. The reaction chamber is configured for receiving a catalyst from which the carbon nanotubes grow and providing an environment for growing the carbon nanotubes. The evacuation device includes an intake connected with the gas outlet. The evacuation device is configured for reducing an inner pressure in the reaction chamber and inducing the formation of carbon nanotubes with desired tip structures. Methods for synthesizing carbon nanotubes with desired tip structures are also provided.

Abstract: A field emission device (10) includes a base (12), a conductive paste (16), and at least one carbon nanotube yarn (14). The at least one carbon nanotube yarn is attached to the base using the conductive paste. This avoids separation of the at least one carbon nanotube yarn from the base by electric field force in a strong electric field. A method for making the field emission device includes the steps of: (a) providing a base; (b) attaching at least one carbon nanotube yarn to the base using conductive paste; and (c) sintering the conductive paste to obtain the field emission device with the carbon nanotube yarn firmly attached to the base.

Abstract: A field emission electron source (10) includes a conductive base (12), a carbon nanotube (14), and a modifying layer (16). The conductive base includes a top (122). One end (142) of the carbon nanotube is electrically connected with the top of the conductive base. The other end (144) of the carbon nanotube extends outwardly away from the top of the conductive base. The modifying layer (16) is uniformly distributed and coated onto at least the surface of the other end of the carbon nanotube. The work function of the modifying layer is lower than that of the carbon nanotube.

Abstract: A retaining member (50) is used for locking a drive (30) within a housing. The retaining member includes a drive, a housing and a pair of wire members (51) and a pair of latch members (53). The wire members are formed of resilient material and are attached to opposite sides of the drive. The latch member includes a securing portion (531) and a flexible locking portion (533). The locking portion extends from the securing portion and away from the drive. A locking tab (5331) is formed on the locking portion that engages the housing. Each wire member helps secure one securing portion to the drive with one end thereof.

Abstract: An exemplary projection lens includes, in this order from the screen-side thereof, a negative lens group having negative refraction of power, and a positive lens group having positive refraction of power. The positive and negative lens groups each include a number of positive and negative lenses. The focal length of the projection lens is adjustable. The projection lens satisfies the formulas of: ?2<F1/Fw<?1.6; 1.2<F2/Fw<1.4; and Vg2>56, where F1, and F2 respectively represent the effective focal lengths of the negative lens group and the positive lens group, Fw is the shortest effective focal length of the projection lens, and Vg2 is the average of the Abbe numbers of the positive lenses in the positive lens group.

Abstract: A preferred method for making a carbon nanotube-based field emission cathode device in accordance with the invention includes the following steps: preparing a solution having a solvent and a predetermined quantity of carbon nanotubes dispersed therein; providing a base with an electrode (101) formed thereon; forming a layer of conductive grease (102) on the base; distributing the solution on the layer of conductive grease, and forming a carbon nanotube layer (103) at least attached on the surface of the conductive grease after the solvent evaporates; and scratching the layer of conductive grease, in order to raise first ends of at least some of the carbon nanotubes from the conductive grease and thereby attain an effective carbon nanotube field emission cathode.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a thermal interface material includes the steps of: (a) forming an array of carbon nanotubes on a substrate; (b) submerging the carbon nanotubes in a liquid macromolecular material; (c) solidifying the liquid macromolecular material; and (d) cutting the solidified liquid macromolecular material, to obtain the thermal interface material with the carbon nanotubes secured therein.

Abstract: A device (20) for manufacturing a carbon nanotube array (10) includes a reaction chamber (220), a gas introducing tube (228), and a quartz boat (240). The reaction chamber includes a first gas inlet (222), a second gas inlet (224), and a gas outlet (226). The first gas inlet is configured for introducing a reaction gas, and the second gas inlet is configured for introducing a disturbance gas. The quartz boat is disposed in the reaction chamber. The quartz boat is used to carry a substrate (12) from/upon which the carbon nanotube array grows. The gas introducing tube is connected to the second gas inlet and to the quartz boat. The gas introducing tube is used to transport the disturbance gas introduced from the second gas inlet to the quartz boat to disturb/interrupt nanotube growth.

Abstract: A method for measuring a bonding force between a substrate (50) and a carbon nanotube array (40) formed thereon, wherein the carbon nanotube array includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes. A force gauge (1) including a cantilever (10), a flat-surface probe (20), a movement mechanism (60), and a force sensor (70) is provided. The probe is secured at one end of the cantilever. An adhesive layer (30) is formed on the flat surface of the probe. The probe is moved toward the substrate and is brought into bonding contact with the carbon nanotube array by the movement mechanism. The probe is pulled away from the substrate by the movement mechanism, causing the carbon nanotubes adhered thereto to separate from the substrate. The force at separation is detected by the force sensor, and that force can be converted into an average nanotube/substrate bonding force/strength.