Spintronics Breakthrough: Using Spin Information for Next-Generation Devices

In a recent study, researchers led by Professor of Chemistry David Waldeck and Research Associate Brian Bloom from the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences have uncovered new possibilities in the field of spintronics. Spintronics is focused on developing devices that utilize the spin of electrons rather than their charge, with the goal of transferring spin information through a material without having to move the associated charge.

The research team found that by passing spin current through two cobalt oxide thin films, which have a specific “handedness” making them different from their mirror image, spin only moves through the material in certain orientations. This discovery was published in the journal Science Advances on May 3 in collaboration with colleagues from North Carolina State University.

The findings suggest that it is possible to create gateways in these materials that allow spin to pass in only one direction. This property could be utilized in developing new methods for data storage, communication, and computing technologies. The results offer exciting prospects for the future of spintronics and its potential applications in various fields.

To learn more about this groundbreaking research conducted by Professor Waldeck and his team, you can visit the NC State University news site.