Theoretical study of spreading resistance using anisotropic conductivity parameters for graphene: a comparative study against conventional isotropic conductors

Abstract

Abstract Graphene can lower spreading resistance owing to its anisotropic electrical resistivity. Although graphene is beneficial for collecting in-plane spreading currents, its low out-of-plane conductivity is a disadvantage. We theoretically study the spreading resistance of single- and multi-layer graphene films coated over a metal substrate. The effect of layer thickness and substrate conductivity on the spreading resistance of graphene is interpreted using electric field and equipotential lines. The results are compared to those obtained using conventional isotropic conducting films. We discuss the scenarios where graphene-coated layers are more beneficial than those coated using conventional materials. We also discuss the sensitivity in detecting the layer thickness of graphene by measuring spreading resistance.