Physicists Discover Quantum Forces Poised to Transform Device Efficiency

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the need for greater storage capacity, efficiency, and computing power continues to rise. To meet these demands, researchers are exploring spintronics, an innovative field that could transform modern electronics. Unlike conventional electronics, which rely solely on the electric charge of electrons, spintronics leverages both charge and spin. By encoding binary values—“up” for 1 and “down” for 0—into an electron’s spin, spintronic devices can deliver faster performance and superior energy efficiency.

Understanding the Quantum Basis of Spintronics

To fully harness the potential of spintronics, scientists must delve deeper into the quantum properties of materials. A critical element in this pursuit is spin torque, which allows electrical currents to control magnetization. This function is essential for advancing next-generation data storage and processing technologies.

In a study published in Nature Nanotechnology on January 15, 2025, researchers from the University of Utah and the University of California, Irvine, unveiled a novel spin-orbit torque called the anomalous Hall torque. This phenomenon enables the manipulation of spin and magnetization through electrical currents.

“This discovery introduces entirely new physics with exciting applications,” said Eric Montoya, lead author and assistant professor of physics at the University of Utah. “These self-generated spin-torques are ideal for emerging systems like neuromorphic computing, which mimic human brain networks.”

Exploring Spin and Symmetry

Electrons exhibit tiny magnetic fields and dipolar spins—“up” or “down,” similar to Earth’s magnetic poles. Spin-orientation torque refers to the speed at which electrons spin around a fixed point. In certain materials, electrical currents sort electrons based on their spin orientation. This spin symmetry, or distribution, influences the material’s magnetic properties and behavior.

The anomalous Hall torque relates to the anomalous Hall effect, first identified in 1881, where electrons scatter asymmetrically in magnetic materials, producing a perpendicular charge current. In spintronics, a similar process occurs: applying an electric current creates a spin current perpendicular to the charge current, aligning spin with magnetization.

“It all comes down to symmetry,” Montoya explained. “We can fine-tune these properties in materials to control spin orientation efficiently, enabling new functionalities for devices.”

The Universal Hall Torque Framework

The anomalous Hall torque, part of the “Universal Hall torques,” advances spintronics by enabling simpler device designs.

Researchers created a spin-torque oscillator that mimics neuron functions but operates faster and smaller. “Our next step is building networks for neuromorphic tasks like image recognition,” said Krivorotov.

This breakthrough paves the way for future technologies.

Read Original Article: Scitechdaily

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