We know that an atom contain a nucleus around which multiple electrons buzz about in their orbits.Every electron carries a negative charge & has a spin state – either ‘spin-up’ & ‘spin-down’. When arranged in certain ways, these electron spins give rise to magnetism.
In the field of electronics, the negative electron charge is the fundamental unit of digital information. Whereas in the exciting research field of spintronics, the electron spin holds that job. This relatively new field brings magnetism and electronics together in a unique way. In spintronics, it is possible to use the two spin states to represent both ‘0’ and ‘1’ (digital information) within a single electron itself. As a result, the techniques and challenges involved in controlling and storing information in spintronics are entirely different and arguably more complex than in conventional electronics. This is a very broad research area that heavily draws on the most fundamental concepts in quantum physics to build futuristic devices that can enable many new capabilities – from quantum computation to quantum teleportation.
Here are stories from our lab on some of the emerging facets of spintronics.
Deciphering the Avian Magnetic Compass
Spin dynamics explain geomagnetic reception in certain organisms
Understanding Hot Spins in a Spin Valve
Experiments on a heated spin valve reveal clues to the origin of magneto-Seebeck effect