Finding new materials for copper/low-k interconnects is critical to the continuing development of computer chips.

While copper/low-k interconnects have served well, allowing for the creation of Ultra Large Scale Integration (ULSI) devices which combine over a billion transistors onto a single chip, the increased resistance and RC-delay at the smaller scale has become a significant factor affecting chip performance.

Advanced Interconnects for ULSI Technology is dedicated to the materials and methods which might be suitable replacements. It covers a broad range of topics, from physical principles to design, fabrication, characterization, and application of new materials for nano-interconnects, and discusses:

• Interconnect functions, characterisations, electrical properties and wiring requirements
• Low-k materials: fundamentals, advances and mechanical properties
• Conductive layers and barriers
• Integration and reliability including mechanical reliability, electromigration and electrical breakdown
• New approaches including 3D, optical, wireless interchip, and carbon-based interconnects

Intended for postgraduate students and researchers, in academia and industry, this book provides a critical overview of the enabling technology at the heart of the future development of computer chips.