2017/08/17
Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
Toyohashi University of Technology
Keio University
As part of the JST Strategic Basic Research Programs, a group led by Assistant Professor Taichi Goto of Toyohashi University of Technology and Full-time Lecturer Koji Sekiguchi of the Faculty of Science and Technology at Keio University has realized a spin-wave logic device by causing phase interference of spin waves, which are waves of magnetism.
In previous research on spin waves, phase interference had been achieved, but the demonstration of its function as a logic device was insufficient. Furthermore, the NAND (NOT-AND) and NOR (NOT-OR) operations, which are essential for realizing all the functions of a logic device, had not been achieved.
This research group fabricated a fork-shaped (Ψ-shaped) structure from magnetic garnet, a magnetic insulator, input spin waves from three branches, caused phase interference at the junction point, and output the result to the trunk section, thereby achieving a NAND operation. The result appears as phase information, rather than the intensity information reported previously, and it is also possible to switch between both NAND and NOR operations using a single input phase.
This research makes it possible to develop logic devices capable of simultaneously processing even more input information at a single point than in the current achievement, and the realization of devices with breakthrough processing capabilities, inconceivable with conventional electronic circuits, is anticipated.
This research was conducted in collaboration with Special Postdoctoral Researcher Naoki Kanazawa, Associate Professor Hiroyuki Takagi, Associate Professor Yuichi Nakamura, Professor Hirohisa Uchida, and Professor Mitsuteru Inoue of Toyohashi University of Technology, Professor Granovsky of Moscow State University, and Professor Ross of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The results of this research will be published in the British scientific journal "Scientific Reports" on August 11, 2017 (19:00 JST).
Highlights
Spin waves, which are waves of magnetism, can be transmitted without electric current and are expected to be applied to next-generation, energy-saving computers. However, a spin-wave circuit capable of performing actual logical operations had not yet been realized.
By controlling the shape of the spin-wave circuit, we have successfully demonstrated a device that realizes all basic operational patterns.
By advancing the miniaturization and multi-staging of the device, the development of new computers with low heat generation and high processing performance is expected.
Please see below for the full press release.