Eclipsing Silicon: The Emergence of Magnon-Based Computing Technologies
A recent study has advanced the understanding of magnonics by showing how magnons can interact nonlinearly, marking a critical step towards faster and more stable computing technologies.
Exploring the Future of Computing With Magnons
One vision for the future of computing involves using ripples in magnetic fields — called magnons — as a basic mechanism. In this application, magnons would be comparable to electricity as the basis for electronics.
In conventional digital technologies, such magnonic systems are expected to be far faster than today’s technologies, from laptops and smartphones to telecommunications. In quantum computing, the advantages of magnonics could include not only quicker speeds but also more stable devices.
A recent study in the journal Nature Physics reports an early-stage discovery along the path to developing magnonic computers. The researchers caused two distinct types of ripples in the magnetic field of a thin plate of alloy, measured the results and showed that the magnons interacted in a nonlinear manner. 'Nonlinear' refers to output that is not directly proportional to input — a necessity for any sort of computing application.
Advancing Nonequilibrium Physics
This is one of many investigations underway through a multiyear collaboration between theorists and experimentalists from multiple fields of science and engineering. The project brings together researchers from UCLA, MIT, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Tokyo in Japan.
One key technology behind these findings is an advanced technique for adding energy to and evaluating samples using lasers with frequencies in the terahertz range. Adopted from chemistry and medical imaging, the method is applied only rarely to study magnetic fields.
According to Prineha Narang, a co-author of the study, the use of terahertz lasers suggests potential synergy with a technology growing in maturity. 'Terahertz technology itself has reached the point where we can talk about a second technology that relies on it,' she said. 'Now is the time to really push forward because we have both the technology and an interesting theoretical framework for looking at interactions among magnons.'
Unveiling Nonlinear Interactions in Magnonics
The researchers applied laser pulses to a thin plate made from a carefully chosen alloy containing yttrium. A magnetic field was applied to the yttrium in a specific fashion that allowed for only two types of magnon. They were able to measure the interactions between the two types and found that they could cause nonlinear responses.
Co-author Jonathan Curtis explained the relevance of these findings: 'Clearly demonstrating this nonlinear interaction would be important for any sort of application based on signal processing. Mixing signals like this could allow us to convert between different magnetic inputs and outputs, which is what you need for a device that relies on manipulating information magnetically.'
Narang emphasized the importance of trainees in the study, stating that talented students and postdocs are essential for such a complex endeavor. The research collaboration has received support from various government and private grantors, including the Department of Energy, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
