US Patent 7811641 - Forming microdefects for CNT growth

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7811641.html

This patent teaches a way to improve control of the density of carbon nanotube arrays used in forming field emission flat panel displays. Claim 1 reads:

1. A method of forming carbon nanotubes, the method comprising:

forming a catalytic metal layer on a substrate;

forming an insulation layer on the catalytic metal layer; and

forming carbon nanotubes on the insulation layer by forming micro defects in the insulation layer by annealing.