Abstract: The present invention is directed to the creation of macroscopic materials and objects comprising aligned nanotube segments. The invention entails aligning single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) segments that are suspended in a fluid medium and then removing the aligned segments from suspension in a way that macroscopic, ordered assemblies of SWNT are formed. The invention is further directed to controlling the natural proclivity or nanotube segments to self assemble into or ordered structures by modifying the environment of the nanotubes and the history of that environment prior to and during the process. The materials and objects are “macroscopic” in that they are large enough to be seen without the aid of a microscope or of the dimensions of such objects.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the creation of macroscopic materials and objects comprising aligned nanotube segments. The invention entails aligning single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) segments that are suspended in a fluid medium and then removing the aligned segments from suspension in a way that macroscopic, ordered assemblies of SWNT are formed. The invention is further directed to controlling the natural proclivity of nanotube segments to self assemble into ordered structures by modifying the environment of the nanotubes and the history of that environment prior to and during the process. The materials and objects are “macroscopic” in that they are large enough to be seen without the aid of a microscope or of the dimensions of such objects.

Abstract: A method of producing a carbon nanotube is disclosed. The carbon nanotube is used with an atomic force microscope that includes a cantilever having a tip culminating with an apex. A catalytic material is deposited onto the apex of the tip of the atomic force microscope, and the catalytic material is subjected to chemical vapor deposition. This initiates growth of the carbon nanotube such that the carbon nanotube extends from the apex of the tip.

Abstract: A combined scanning probe and scanning energy microscope, in which the same scanning system is used for both the scanning probe and scanning energy images. A sample is translated substantially along a horizontal plane either between or below the probe of a scanning probe microscope and the objective of a scanning energy microscope. The probe collects topographic or other information. The objective focuses a fixed beam of energy to a small spot on the sample, then collects energy from the same spot and transmits it to a detector. A vertical translator connected to the probe or sample support provides the vertical motion necessary to maintain them in close proximity. The images produced by the two microscopes are in substantial direct registration with each other. The invention is exemplified by a combined atomic force and confocal laser scanning microscope with a translated sample.