Crossing multiwalled carbon nanotubes are connected by irradiating the junction in a scanning electron microscope. The aggregation of hydrocarbons and successive transformation into amorphous carbon under the electron beam is used to solder nanotubes and to make a mechanical junction. Transmission electron microscopy is carried out to study the graphitization of the junction under further irradiation or annealing.

Top: two crossing multi-walled nanotubes
Bottom: "Soldering" the junction by irradiation in a scanning electron microscope. Hydrocarbon contamination on the tubes migrates into the irradiated area and transforms to immobile amorphous or graphitic carbon.

 

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