Application of scanning force microscopy in nanotube science

Recent developments in the application of scanning force microscopy in nano tube science are reviewed. The non-destructive character of this technique allows the structural characterisation of (chemically modified) single- and multi-wall nanotubes deposited on substrates for further investigations su ch as electrical transport measurements. Furthermore, SFM is now an establi shed tool for manipulation of nanotubes, which allows position control and determination of elastic constants such as the Young's modulus. Finally it is shown that very sharp and stable probes for scanning force microscopy ca n be made from nanotubes due to their excellent stability and aspect ratio.