We report on the use of a laser-based method to slice carbon nanotubes into small, constant-sized lengths. This is achieved by placing a solution of nanotubes in a vortex fluidic device (VFD) and irradiating with 1064nm infrared light from a Nd:YAG laser. The VFD is known to produce intense shear in liquids, and when coupled with laser irradiation at a specific power leads to cutting of the nanotubes.
- “Fluid dynamic lateral slicing of high tensile strength carbon nanotubes”, K. Vimalanathan, J.R. Gascooke, I. Suarez-Martinez, N.A. Marks, H Kumari, C.J. Garvey, J.L. Atwood, W.D. Lawrance and C.L. Raston, Scientific Reports, 6, 22865 (2016). doi:10.1038/srep22865 http://www.nature.com/articles/srep22865
