Electrostatically Charged Substrate for Carbon Nanotube Alignment

The patent replaces magnetic field-based alignment with an electrostatic field-based alignment system. Conductive elements applied to the substrate generate electrostatic fields that interact strongly with the carbon nanotubes during growth, providing effective alignment without relying on weak magnetic field interactions. This substitution of the physical field type (from magnetic to electrostatic) resolves the contradiction by achieving both strong interaction and stable alignment.

The patent segments the substrate into multiple regions, each with conductive elements configured to generate specific electrostatic field patterns. This segmentation allows different zones to support nanotube growth under optimized conditions, enabling extended growth lengths while maintaining a relatively simple overall fabrication process. The segmented approach to field generation resolves the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and achieving long nanotube growth.

The conductive elements are integrated directly into the substrate structure, allowing the substrate itself to generate the electrostatic fields needed for nanotube alignment. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate, complex external field generation systems. The substrate performs dual functions: supporting nanotube growth and generating alignment fields, thereby reducing overall process complexity while maintaining effective nanotube alignment and extended growth lengths.