A computer simulation of stripe deterioration through electromigration

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Abstract
A computer simulation of stripe deterioration under electromigration is developed with especial regard to the physical aspects of the process. A grain-boundary network is first established appropriate to a {111} grain-boundary texture by a Voronoi process. Stress relief through the motion of network vertices can be used to simulate the effects of annealing. In operation, two different situations are considered: (1) free-surface condition and (2) operation under a passivating surface containment. With the free-surface condition, voids grow internally while the extra material spreads over the surface. With the passivating condition, the matter is conserved and eventually a steady state ensues. The possibility of sideways extrusions or ‘‘spikes’’ is considered. Many other possible applications of the model are indicated.