Resistivity of nanometer-scale films and interconnects: model and simulation

We have developed a highly versatile simulation program for examining the impact of reduced dimensions on resistivity that goes beyond the work of others, e.g. Fuchs and Mayadas and Shatzkes. The program can simulate the effects of surface and grain-boundary scattering on the resistivity of thin films and lines, either separately or simultaneously. It is used to understand the importance of grain size and how surface and grain boundary scattering impacts the effective resistivity. It predicts how Matthiessen's rule will change with decreasing dimensions, which impacts the ability to determine accurately film thickness and line area from resistance measurements taken at two temperatures.