Method of forming a heterojunction of a carbon nanotube and a different material, method of working a filament of a nanotube

Abstract

A carbon nanotube is contacted with a reactive substance which is a metal or a semiconductor. The reactive substance is heated to diffuse atoms of the reactive substance into the carbon nanotube so that the carbon nanotube is partially transformed or converted into carbide as a reaction product. Thus, a heterojunction of the reaction product and the carbon nanotube is formed. For example, the carbon nanotube ( 2 ) is contacted with a silicon substrate ( 1 ). The silicon substrate ( 1 ) is heated to cause solid-solid diffusion of Si. As a result, SiC ( 3 ) is formed as the heterojunction. At least a part of a filament material of a carbon nanotube is irradiated with electromagnetic wave to deform the filament material.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of inducing an electric current in a filament material, comprising the step of irradiating at least a part of said filament material with electromagnetic wave to selectively induce the electric current in said filament material.  
     
     
         2 . A method of working a filament material, comprising the step of irradiating at least a part of said filament material with electromagnetic wave to deform said filament material.  
     
     
         3 . A method as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said electromagnetic wave is visible light.  
     
     
         4 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said filament material is of a carbon nanotube.  
     
     
         5 . A method as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said filament material is of a carbon nanotube.