Laser Vaporization Production of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes

Single-walled carbon nanotubes are produced by an automated beam-scanning system which rasters a pulsed Nd:YAG laser beam over the surface of composite pellets which nominally contain 1 at. % each of Ni and Co, in addition to 98% carbon or graphite. Long-pulse laser vaporization (free-running mode) produces different material than nanosecond pulse (Q-switched mode) laser vaporization. The ablation yield is roughly equal in both cases, however the SWNT fractional yield and purifiability is higher in the long-pulse mode. Spectroscopic diagnostic measurements are in progress to understand why.
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