Modeling Electronic Properties of Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes

Reviewing experimental results and based on the physical reasoning, we present a basic circuit model for Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), which can simulate different experimental results. Investigation of different results confirms the severe effects of fabrication process (nanotube and contacts) on electronic properties of the MWCNTs. The circuit model has been developed to show the performance improvements of a CNT interconnect when the single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) is replaced by an MWCNT. To calculate the current-voltage characteristic and the switching delay of MWCNTs, we have simulated their DC and AC properties, respectively, using the developed transmission line models. Based on the physical models, the elements of the circuit model can be changed so that the simulation and the practical measurements for an MWCNT can correspond. Switching Delays of the MWCNTs and SWCNTs are calculated and compared for different cases.