Hybrid Components: Cheap, Fast, and Under Control

Generally speaking, computers contain magnetic components, which perform memory functions; and semiconductor components, which perform logic operations. And it's safe to say that today's computers perform memory and logic functions at a fair clip. Still, some researchers think that computers could operate at higher speeds (and use less power) if components were all made of the same--instead of different--materials.

Which is why Giovanni Vignale, a physics professor at the University of Missouri, is working to combine these two functions in a single hybrid material. This new material, he thinks, would allow seamless integration of memory and logical functions, operate at much higher speeds, use considerably less power, and cost less to produce than current electronic devices.

The primary goal of Vignale's research is to explore new ways to integrate magnetism and magnetic materials with emerging electronic materials such as organic semiconductors. With this approach, says Vignale "the coupling between magnetic and non-magnetic components would occur via a magnetic field or flow of electron spin, which is the fundamental property of an electron and is responsible for most magnetic phenomena." He adds that "one of the main theoretical tools I will be using for this project is the time-dependent, spin-current density functional theory. The results of these theoretical calculations will be useful both to understand and to guide the experimental work of other team members."

Faster, cheaper, more efficient. Nothing wrong with that.

-- Jonathan Erickson
jerickson@ddj.com

Posted by Jon Erickson at 02:13 PM  Permalink