Thermal interface and switch using carbon nanotube arrays

A thermal switch comprising:

• a first structure;
• a plurality of carbon nanotubes substantively aligned perpendicularly from a first surface of the first structure;
• and
• a second structure mounted relative to the first structure for selecting among a plurality of states, including a contact state in which the second structure contacts the plurality of carbon nanotubes at an operative pressure and a non-contact state in which the second structure does not contact any carbon nanotube in the plurality of carbon nanotubes,
• wherein the plurality of substantively aligned carbon nanotubes have been pretreated by bringing the second structure into contact with the plurality of substantively aligned carbon nanotubes under a pretreatment pressure substantively greater than the operative pressure.

A method for fabricating a thermal switch operated by repeatedly alternating between separating a first interface from a second interface and pressing the first interface and the second interface together at an operative pressure, comprising the steps of:

• forming a first interface including an array of carbon nanotubes;
• forming a second interface;
• pressing the first interface and the second interface together at a pretreatment pressure substantially greater than the operative pressure;
• and
• separating the first interface from the second interface.

A thermal switch comprising:

• a first structure;
• a plurality of carbon nanotubes substantively aligned perpendicularly from a first surface of the first structure;
• and
• a second structure mounted relative to the first structure for selecting among a plurality of states, including a contact state in which the second structure contacts the plurality of carbon nanotubes and a non-contact state in which the second structure does not contact any carbon nanotube in the plurality of carbon nanotubes.