Indian scientists claim major advance in spin wave technology

It is becoming increasingly challenging to keep up with technological demands of efficiency, miniaturization, and high speed in electronic devices using conventional semiconductor technology. Spin wave devices, with their ultralow power requirements, are promising alternatives to semiconductors for processing digital information in devices. A group of researchers has claimed a new advance that can help achieve spin wave-based devices in future.

Magnons are to spin wave devices what electrons are to semiconductor devices—they are capable of carrying “spin” currents through a device, wherein information is coded into the amplitude/phase of a spin. By taking advantage of the intrinsic magnetic properties of the constituents of a magnetic conduit, which is responsible for transmitting information and is thus one of the key components of a spin wave device, researchers have customized architecture of the conduit and eliminated the need for an external magnetic field.

Dr. Arabinda Haldar

" Parallel research efforts are underway in labs across the world to identify and resolve challenges associated with the implementation of spin wave devices."

The proposed uniquely designed magnetic conduit has a layer each of cobalt, palladium, and Permalloy. Permalloy is a magnetic alloy with characteristics highly suited for its use as a magnetic material in magneto-electronic devices. However, it possesses an in-plane magnetization. Cobalt/Palladium, on the other hand, possess an out-of-plane magnetization. Hence the incorporation of out-of-plane Cobalt/Palladium layers induces an out-of-plane magnetization in Permalloy as well. This magnetic conduit architecture enables spin waves to transmit information in all directions - isotropically—an essential feature for seamless transmission of digital information in electronic devices.

“Spin wave devices need to function like semiconductor devices. It is important to design a device that ably fulfils the requirements of the application. An external out-of-plane magnetic field may affect the functionality of the device. Our work overcomes one of several limitations that impede commercial realization of spin wave devices,” explained Dr Arabinda Haldar, the first author of the study, and assistant professor at Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad.

Parallel research efforts are underway in labs across the world to identify and resolve challenges associated with the implementation of spin wave devices, he added.

This study was led by Prof Adekunle Adeyeye from National University of Singapore, and has been published in journal Science Advances. (India Science Wire)