Growth of a single-wall carbon nanotube in the gap of scanning tunneling microscope

Abstract
Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were grown in the tunneling gap of a scanning tunneling microscope (STM). We could observe their growth processes in situ by operating the STM in a transmission electron microscope. The STM tip and sample were covered by graphite layers. The tip was lightly touched to the sample and subsequently retracted. Occasionally, a carbon nanobridge was generated between the tip and the sample. The bridge had the shape of SWNT at the tip side.