Methods of manufacturing nanotubes having controlled characteristics

A method of forming a plurality of nanotubes within a substrate, the method comprising:

• forming at least one recess in a substrate having an opening at a first surface of the substrate and extending thereinto toward a second, opposing surface of the substrate;
• forming a plurality of nanotubes generally within the at least one recess, each nanotube of the plurality having a first end and a second end;
• disposing a volume of a supporting material in the at least one recess to at least substantially surround the plurality of nanotubes therein;
• selectively shortening at least some of the plurality of nanotubes by removing a portion of each of the at least some of the plurality of nanotubes proximate the first surface of the substrate;
• removing a portion of the substrate from the second, opposing surface of the substrate to expose a second end of the at least some of the plurality of nanotubes through the substrate;
• stopping the removal of the portion of the substrate from the second, opposing surface of the substrate such that another portion of the substrate remains in contact with at least one side of the volume of the supporting material while the volume of the supporting material maintains a separation of the plurality of nanotubes and the substrate;
• and
• removing the plurality of nanotubes from the volume of the supporting material.

A method of forming a plurality of nanotubes within a substrate, the method comprising:

• forming a recess into a substrate, the recess having an opening at a first surface of the substrate and extending thereinto toward a second, opposing surface of the substrate;
• forming a plurality of nanotubes generally within the recess;
• at least substantially surrounding the plurality of nanotubes with a volume of a supporting material;
• selectively shortening at least some of the plurality of nanotubes by removing a portion of each of the at least some of the plurality of nanotubes proximate the first surface of the substrate;
• exposing a second end of the at least some of the plurality of nanotubes through the substrate;
• and
• maintaining at least a portion of the substrate to be in contact with a side of the volume of the supporting material, the volume of the supporting material separating the plurality of nanotubes from the at least a portion of the substrate.