Length dependence of current-induced breakdown in carbon nanofiber interconnects

Abstract

Current-induced breakdown is investigated for carbon nanofibers (CNF) for potential interconnect applications. The measured maximum current density in the suspended CNF is inversely proportional to the nanofiber length and is 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.