The manipulation of carbon nanotubes on a polymer surface using a laser beam

Controlled noninvasive manipulation of porphyrin-doped single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) by laser beam is described. SWCNT/porphyrin complexes have been deposited on a polymer surface and irradiated by a scanning beam of laser light with the wavelength of 405 nm. Laser energy was absorbed by the porphyrin and converted into heat through an energy transfer within the complexes. This led to periodical deformation of the initially flat polymer surface. As a result of the surface deformation the SWCNTs or SWCNT bundle move in the direction given by the laser scanning. It was proved that SWCNTs can be moved to a desired position using the focused laser beam.