Technology
Scientists prove 'quantum theory' that could lead to ultrafast magnetic computing
For the first time, scientists have magnetized a non-magnetic material at room temperature, inducing a quantum property that they say could pave the way for ultra-fast computing.
The "switchable" magnetic field could one day be used to store and transmit information. This was something previously only possible at ultracold temperatures.
The results pave the way for "ultra-fast magnetic switches that can be used for faster information transfer and considerably better data storage, and for computers that are significantly faster and more energy-efficient,” study lead author, Alexander Balatsky, professor of physics at the Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics (NORDITA), said in a statement.
Scientists have long wanted to harness the weird laws of quantum mechanics to improve computing systems, for example in quantum computing. But quantum states are delicate, and can easily fall apart, or "decohere," thanks to noise such as thermal vibration, or the random jiggling of atoms.
Related: Weird magnetic 'skyrmion' quasiparticle could be used as a bit in advanced computing memory
To get around this, researchers aiming to create quantum behavior typically cool their materials to near absolute zero. But that makes such systems difficult to maintain and operate.
In 2017, Balatsky and colleagues laid out a theoretical approach to generating a quantum state, called "dynamic multiferroicity," in which electrical polarization induced magnetism in a non-magnetic material. The process involves stirring up titanium atoms in a material in such a way that they generate a magnetic field.
-
Technology3h ago
Climate change fuels extreme rainfall and stronger typhoons
-
Technology9h ago
China invests $13.8 billion to propel integrated circuits, biomedicine, and AI
-
Technology9h ago
New taxes on mobile phones set to drive prices higher in Pakistan
-
Technology14h ago
Vaccines tell a success story that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Trump forget – here are some key reminders
-
Technology16h ago
Indian shares rebound led by IT sector after five-session decline
-
Technology16h ago
FAA clears SpaceX's Falcon 9 for space return
-
Technology21h ago
Reason behind social media slowdown in Pakistan revealed
-
Technology21h ago
Chinese scientists detect universe's highest energy gamma-ray line