Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 May 2022
An accurate analysis of the stress evolution in a metal line loaded with an electric current requires solution of a number of coupled partial differential equations (PDEs). The continuity equations, describing the evolution of concentrations of vacancies and plated atoms along the line, are linked with the force balance equation yielding the elastic stress evolution due to interaction of the metal line volumetric deformation with the rigid confinement. The electric current density distribution is found by solving the corresponding Laplace equation. Accounting for the polycrystalline structure of the metals used as conductors in on-chip interconnects, and proper consideration of a variety of venues for diffusion of vacancies, such as grain boundaries and interfaces with liners and capping layers, requires a comprehensive 2D or 3D analysis. Following void nucleation, which happens when the tensile stress reaches a critical value, the void shape and size are described by a combination of the Cahn–Hilliard and Allen–Kahn equations with the phase-field formalism. Detailed description of these coupled PDEs and results of their solution for a number of cases using finite element analysis (FEA) are demonstrated in this chapter. A good fit between simulation results and measurements is demonstrated throughout the chapter.
To save this book to your Kindle, first ensure [email protected] is added to your Approved Personal Document E-mail List under your Personal Document Settings on the Manage Your Content and Devices page of your Amazon account. Then enter the ‘name’ part of your Kindle email address below. Find out more about saving to your Kindle.
Note you can select to save to either the @free.kindle.com or @kindle.com variations. ‘@free.kindle.com’ emails are free but can only be saved to your device when it is connected to wi-fi. ‘@kindle.com’ emails can be delivered even when you are not connected to wi-fi, but note that service fees apply.
Find out more about the Kindle Personal Document Service.
To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Dropbox.
To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.