Patent ID: 6777637
Filing Date: 2004-08-17
Classification: B82Y,C01B,G11B

Abstract:
A sharpening method of nanotubes, comprising the steps of:connecting a base end portion of a nanotube to an electrode with a tip end portion of said nanotube protruded from said electrode; connecting said tip end portion of said nanotube to another electrode; applying a voltage between said electrodes so as to cause an electric current to flow in a middle portion of said nanotube which is located between said electrodes; evaporating constituent atoms of said nanotube layer by layer from a evaporation starting region, which is located in said middle region, by heat generated by said electric current, thus reducing a diameter of said evaporation starting region; and cutting said evaporation starting region having a reduced diameter, thus forming a sharpened end on said nanotube.