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Numerical Modeling of Electrothermal Effects in Silicon Nanowires

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2011

Cicek Boztug ,
Gokhan Bakan ,
Mustafa Akbulut ,
Ali Gokirmak  and
Helena Silva
Cicek Boztug
Affiliation:
[email protected], University of Connecticut, Electrical Engineering, Jewett 110, Storrs, CT, 06269, United States, 8605486945
Gokhan Bakan
Affiliation:
[email protected], University of Connecticut, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Storrs, CT, 06269, United States
Mustafa Akbulut
Affiliation:
[email protected], University of Connecticut, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Storrs, CT, 06269, United States
Ali Gokirmak
Affiliation:
[email protected], University of Connecticut, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Storrs, CT, 06269, United States
Helena Silva
Affiliation:
[email protected], University of Connecticut, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Storrs, CT, 06269, United States
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Abstract

Asymmetric melting was observed in electrically pulsed n-type (phosphorus) nanocrystalline silicon (nc-Si) wires fabricated lithographically. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images taken from the pulsed wires showed that melting initiates from the ground terminal end of the wires instead of the center as initially expected. Asymmetry in the temperature profile is caused by heat exchanged between charge carriers and phonons when an electrical current is passed along a temperature gradient. This effect is known as Thomson effect, a thermoelectric heat transfer mechanism. One dimensional (1D) time dependent heat diffusion equation including Thomson heat term was solved to model the temperature profile on our structures. The modeling results show that Thomson effect introduces significant shifts in the temperature distribution. The effect of Thomson heat is modeled for various electrical pulse conditions and wires dimensions. Our results indicate that Thomson effect is significant in small scale electronic devices operating under high current densities.

Keywords

thermoelectricitysimulationSi
Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 1083: Symposium R – Coupled Mechanical, Electrical and Thermal Behaviors of Nanomaterials , 2008 , 1083-R04-11
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2008

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