LAUSR

Abstract This paper presents a numerical model of lateral-field optoelectronic tweezers (LOET) used to manipulate and induce carbon nanotubes (CNTs) forming pearl chains in a horizontal electric field. The numerical model based on Monte Carlo method is used to describe the behavior of the CNTs and its arrangement when the total of system energy decreases and becomes stable. Thus, the related forces are calculated, including dielectrophoresis, electrostatic interaction, repulsive forces, gravity and so forth. Considering multi-walled CNTs as the simulated object, the results show that the chains of CNTs align parallel to the electric field direction. Due to the flexible light patterns, both combed and saw-toothed electrodes are studied separately. The results are agreement with some CNTs-based experiments. Finally, the novel LOET-based platform is expected to use in the nanostructure investigations and applications.