Periodic Reporting for period 1 - POWERSPIN (Low-power spin-wave-based computing)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2018-07-01 al 2019-12-31
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.