Ion-irradiation-induced welding of carbon nanotubes

As recent transmission electron microscopy experiments demonstrate, electron irradiation can be used to create molecular junctions between carbon nanotubes. Employing empirical potential molecular dynamics, we study ion bombardment of crossed nanotubes as an alternative technique to join nanotubes. We demonstrate that ion irradiation should result in welding of crossed nanotubes, both suspended and deposited on substrates. We further discuss various experimental aspects of this method which may potentially be used for developing complicated networks of joined nanotubes.