On-Chip Interconnect Networks at the End of the Roadmap: Limits and Nanotechnology Opportunities

Physical models are presented for single- and multi-wall carbon nanotubes. The models are used to quantify the performance enhancements that they can potentially offer if used as interconnects in GSI chips. For short lengths, mono-layer SWCN interconnects can lower capacitance by 50% whereas for long lengths SWCN-bundles can improve conductivity up to 100%. Conductivity of MWCNs increases with diameter if they are longer than a critical length of about 7 mum and decreases otherwise