The University of Minnesota (UMN) published yet another video, interviewing several researchers at the Center for Spintronic Materials, Interfaces, and Novel Architectures (C-SPIN). The topic this time is topological insulators - priming new class of materials.
Topological insulators are materials in which the edges are conductive but the rest of the material acts like an insulator).
Researchers from Cambridge University developed a semiconductor assembly that acts as a field-effect light switch. Such a device could bridge the gap between optics and electronics - and lead the way towards optical spintronics.
The researchers were able to "spin-encode" light so it can carry data. Light has several advantages over electrical signals at the nanoscale - and can lead to devices which are more efficient, have a larger bandwidth and are more secure. This liquid-light switch could act sort of like a nanophotonic torque converter, translating information from the electrical regime into optical signals.
The University of Minnesota (UMN) published a new video, interviewing several researchers at the Center for Spintronic Materials, Interfaces, and Novel Architectures (C-SPIN).
STT-MRAM is the second-generation MRAM technology, which uses spin-polarized current to flip the electron spin. STT-MRAM chips are faster, more salable and more efficient than Toggle-MRAM (first-gen MRAM tech). Several companies are now bringing STT-MRAM devices to the market.
Check out MRAM-Info's new STT-MRAM introduction article to learn more about this technology and the current market status.
An interesting interview with Nobel Laureate (1998, Physics) Albert Fert regarding the future of spintronics, STT-MRAM, topological insulators and more: