MIT researchers have achieved a significant breakthrough in the field of computing, paving the way for faster and more energy-efficient processors and computer memories. By precisely controlling an ultrathin magnet at room temperature, the team has demonstrated the potential of two-dimensional magnetic materials to revolutionize the way we build devices.
Traditional silicon-based devices can be power-hungry, but those constructed from magnetic materials are known to be more energy-efficient. The use of two-dimensional magnetic materials, which are made up of incredibly thin layers, offers unique properties that can enhance the speed, efficiency, and scalability of magnetic-based devices.
In a recent experiment, MIT researchers successfully controlled a van der Waals magnet at room temperature by using pulses of electrical current. This breakthrough is crucial as magnets composed of atomically thin van der Waals materials typically require extremely cold temperatures to operate, making them challenging to utilize outside of a laboratory setting.
The researchers utilized bursts of electrons to manipulate the direction of the device’s magnetization at room temperature. This magnetic switching can be applied in computation, similar to how transistors switch between open and closed states to represent 0s and 1s in binary code, or in computer memory to enable data storage.
One of the key highlights of this research is the development of a device that requires significantly lower electrical current to switch the van der Waals magnet compared to bulk magnetic devices. This enhanced energy efficiency opens up possibilities for building faster computers that consume less electricity and nonvolatile magnetic computer memories that retain data even when powered off.
The team’s innovative approach leverages the unique properties of iron gallium telluride, an emerging material that can sustain its magnetism at higher temperatures. By utilizing the spin of electrons to switch the magnetization of the device, the researchers have demonstrated room-temperature switching with greater energy efficiency.
Moving forward, the researchers aim to further enhance the performance of magnetic van der Waals materials and scale up their technology for commercial applications. The potential of these materials to transform the landscape of computing is substantial, offering more efficient and sustainable solutions for future generations.
