Reliability evaluation of carbon nanotube interconnect in a silicon CMOS environment

Yang Chai, Min Zhang, Jingfeng Gong, Philip Ching Ho Chan

Research output: Chapter in book / Conference proceedingConference article published in proceeding or bookAcademic researchpeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Conventional copper conductor suffered from electromigration induced by high current density. This calls for a more reliable conductive material. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), with excellent electrical properties and extremely high thermal conductivity, have been suggested for future interconnects. Although different integration schemes have been demonstrated for CNT interconnects, the reliability of CNT interconnects in the silicon CMOS environment has not been evaluated. The purpose of this study is to investigate the reliability of CNT interconnect under electrical and thermal stress. We first studied the electrical properties of a single CNT exposed in air. It was found that CNT did not fail in the continuous, accelerating manner typical of electromigration failure. An abrupt decrease of conductance was observed when certain level power is supplied. This possibly is caused by the oxidation of the CNT outer shell by Joule heating in air. We then fabricated another CNT via test structure. The reliability of the new test structure is improved due to the heat-sinking effect of surrounding dielectrics. But still the CNT interconnect in the new test structure failed when additional thermal stress is applied. By filling the voids between CNTs with copper, the CNT interconnect becomes more reliable.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2006 International Conference on Electronic Materials and Packaging, EMAP
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2006
Externally publishedYes
Event2006 International Conference on Electronic Materials and Packaging, EMAP - Kowloon, China
Duration: 11 Dec 200614 Dec 2006

Conference

Conference2006 International Conference on Electronic Materials and Packaging, EMAP
Country/TerritoryChina
CityKowloon
Period11/12/0614/12/06

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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