title: Laser-induced forces between carbon nanotubes.
abstract: Carbon nanotubes are the focus of intense research interest because of their unique properties and applications potential. We present a study based on quantum electrodynamics concerning the optical force between a pair of nanotubes under laser irradiance. To identify separate effects associated with the pair orientation and laser beam geometry, two different systems are analyzed. For each, an analytical expression for the laser-induced optical force is determined, and the corresponding magnitude is estimated.
authors.affiliation: School of Chemical Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK. david.andrews@physics.org
authors.forename: David L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Andrews
authors.forename: David S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Bradshaw