We have developed a novel method to synthesize ‘‘clean’’ carbon nanotubes with relatively higher yield using a hydrogen arc discharge. The quality and yield of the tubes depend sensitively on the gas pressure in the arc discharge. We have observed sharp, open‐ended nanotubes with clear lattice fringes at the edges and empty interiors. The existence of these frozen‐open‐ended tubes in the buckybundles provides evidence for an open‐ended growth model for nanotubes. ©1995 American Institute of Physics.