Current-carrying Capacity of Carbon Nanofiber Interconnects

Current-carrying capacity of carbon nanofibers (CNF) is investigated for potential interconnect applications. The measured maximum current density in the suspended CNF in air is inversely proportional to nanofiber length and independent of diameter. This relationship can be described with a heat transport model that takes into account Joule heating and heat diffusion along the CNF, assuming that breakdown occurs when and where the temperature reaches a threshold or critical value. Supporting the CNFs with SiO
2
improves their current capacity, which implies effective heat dissipation to the oxide.