Semi-Classical Modelling of the Electron Transport in Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene Nanoribbons for THz Range Applications

This paper deals with the possible use of carbon-based nano-interconnects for terahertz applications. The electrodynamics of nano-interconnects, either made of carbon nanotubes or graphene nanoribbons, may be conveniently described by means of a semi-classical transport model, based on the modified Boltzmann transport equation. In this paper, this model is revised in order to include the effects of tunneling between adjacent carbon nanotubes or graphene layers. The final transmission line model is modified taking into account new terms for the line matrix parameters, directly related to the tunneling. Such terms introduce resonances and dispersion which potentially reduce the applicability of such interconnects. The effects of tunneling in the terahertz range is investigated, with reference to two examples of carbon nano-interconnects.