Nanotubes outperform copper
Researchers at the US Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have determined that carbon nanotube interconnects will outperform copper at the 45nm process node.
The research team used advanced quantum mechanical computer modelling to run simulations on a supercomputer. They claim it is the first time that quanutm mechanics have been used rather than empirical laws.
Working with Rensselaer’s Computational Center for Nanotechnology Innovations – which houses the most powerful university based supercomputer in the world – the team concluded that carbon nanotube bundles boasted a much smaller electrical resistance than the copper nanowires, suggesting they would therefore be better suited for interconnect applications.
“With this study, we have provided a road map for accurately comparing the performance of copper wire and carbon nanotube wire,” said research leader Saroj Nayak, pictured, an associate professor in Rensselaer’s Department of Department of Physics, Applied Physics and Astronomy. “Given the data we collected, we believe that carbon nanotubes at 45nm will outperform copper nanowire.”
