Low-power spin-wave-based computing

Project Information

POWERSPIN

Grant agreement ID: 812841

DOI

10.3030/812841

Project closed

EC signature date 6 June 2018

Start date 1 July 2018

End date 31 December 2019

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)

Total cost

€ 149 830,00

EU contribution

€ 149 830,00

Coordinated by

AALTO KORKEAKOULUSAATIO SR
Finland

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - POWERSPIN (Low-power spin-wave-based computing)

Reporting period: 2018-07-01 to 2019-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Downscaling of Si-based microprocessors has considerably increased the amount of heating in computers and other information and communication technology (ICT) devices. As a result, computer servers in big data centres waste more than 90% of the electricity they pull off the grid. High-density electrical currents in microprocessors and interconnects cause excessive warm-up via an effect known as Joule heating. To fulfil future requirements for data transmission and processing rates with low energy consumption, a paradigm shift away from purely charge-based electronics is needed. Recently, post-Si computing with collective spin wave excitations in tailored magnets has been identified as a promising route. Spin waves are transmitted through a magnetic material without the displacement of electric charges (i.e. currents), thus drastically reducing energy consumption and heating. In the ERC PoC project, a new material platform enabling low power voltage-control of spin waves for wave-based analog computing is devloped based on strain coupling in ferroelectric-ferromagnetic bilayers. Key features such as active manipulation of the spin-wave amplitude and phase as well as a programmable spin-wave diode are realized. Challenges that need further development include device downscaling and material endurence.