Researchers at Ohio State University have demonstrated a plastic computer memory device that uses the spin of electrons to read and write data. An alternative to traditional microelectronics, so-called “spintronics” could store more data in less space, process data faster, and consume less power. The prototype plastic spintronic device created by Arthur J. Epstein, PhD, distinguished university professor of physics and chemistry and director of the Institute for Magnetic and Electronic Polymers, and colleagues is described in Nature Materials.

At this point, the device is little more than a thin strip of dark blue organic-based magnet layered with a metallic ferromagnet and connected to two electrical leads. Still, the researchers successfully recorded data on it and retrieved the data by controlling the spins of the electrons with a magnetic field. Moving electrons through circuit boards creates heat, and cooling them requires a lot of energy, so chipmakers are limited in how closely they can pack circuits together to avoid overheating. Flipping the spin of an electron requires less energy and produces hardly any heat, Epstein explains, so spintronic devices could run on smaller batteries, resulting in lighter battery packs for soldiers in the field and individuals commuting to business meetings. The patented technology should transfer easily to industry, adds postdoctoral researcher Jung-Woo Yoo. “Any place that makes computer chips could do this,” he says. “Plus, in this case, we made the device at room temperature, and the process is very eco-friendly.”

Source:  PhysOrg.com

Posted September 1st, 2010 under Tech Transfer

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