A transmission line model for metallic carbon nanotube interconnects

A transmission line (TL) model describing the propagation of electric signals along metallic single wall carbon nanotube (CNT) interconnects is derived in a simple and self-consistent way within the framework of the classical electrodynamics. The conduction electrons of metallic CNTs are modelled as an infinitesimally thin cylindrical layer of a compressible charged fluid with friction, moving in a uniform neutralizing background. The dynamic of the electron fluid is studied by means of the linearized hydrodynamic equations with the pressure assumed to be that of a degenerate spin-12 ideal Fermi gas. Transport effects due to the electron inertia, quantum fluid pressure and electron scattering with the ion lattice significantly influence the propagation features of the TL. The simplicity and robustness of the fluid model make the derivation of the TL equations more straightforward than other derivations recently proposed in the literature and provide simple and clear definitions of the per unit length (p.u.l.) TL parameters. In particular, this approach has provided a new circuit model that can be used effectively in the analysis of networks composed of CNT transmission lines and lumped elements. The differences and similarities between the proposed model and those given in the literature are highlighted.