In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers at the University of Wyoming have developed a method to control tiny magnetic states within ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals magnets, which can lead to advanced memory devices and new types of computers that are more efficient and powerful. This new method involves using a magnetic tunnel junction with a 2D insulating magnet made of chromium triiodide sandwiched between layers of graphene. By sending a tunneling current through this sandwich, the orientation of magnetic domains within the individual layers can be controlled, allowing for the manipulation of spin states.
The tunneling current not only controls the switching direction between stable spin states but also induces and manipulates stochastic switching between metastable spin states. This breakthrough is highly practical as it consumes significantly less energy than traditional methods, making it a potential game-changer for future technology. The research could lead to the development of novel computing devices that are faster, smaller, more energy-efficient, and more powerful than ever before, setting the stage for new computing platforms such as probabilistic computers.
Traditional computers use bits to store information as 0’s and 1’s, while quantum computers use quantum bits that can represent both 0 and 1 simultaneously. The research team has developed probabilistic bits that can switch between 0 and 1 based on tunneling current-controlled probabilities, allowing for the creation of a new type of computer known as a probabilistic computer. These computers have the potential to handle complex machine learning tasks and data processing problems that are challenging for traditional and quantum computers, as they are naturally tolerant to errors, simple in design, and take up less space, leading to more efficient and powerful computing technologies.
Collaborating with researchers from Colorado State University, the University of Texas-Austin, Penn State University, Northeastern University, and the National Institute for Materials Science in Japan, the research team developed a theoretical model that explains how tunneling currents influence spin states in 2D magnetic tunnel junctions. The study was funded through grants from the U.S. Department of Energy, Wyoming NASA EPSCoR, the National Science Foundation, and research initiatives in Japan.
Overall, this research represents a significant advancement in magnetism at the 2D limit and holds the potential to revolutionize computing technology. By harnessing the unique properties of ultrathin 2D magnets, this research paves the way for the development of new, more efficient, and powerful computing devices, such as probabilistic computers that can tackle complex tasks with ease. With the ability to mimic human thinking processes at a much faster speed and efficiency, this research opens up new possibilities for future technological advancements and scientific discoveries.