SpinDy · Dynamical control of Spintronic devices through solid-state gating

Dynamical control of Spintronic devices through solid-state gating

The increasing reliance on digital technologies is driving up data storage and processing demands, leading to a sharp rise in energy consumption. As data becomes one of the most valuable assets of modern society, managing this energy use is crucial for sustainable development. Addressing this challenge requires a paradigm shift in the microelectronics industry, grounded in novel and more energy-efficient technologies. In this context, spintronics—which exploits the spin degree of freedom of charge carriers in electronic devices—offers promising solutions for next-generation computing. Spintronics is particularly well-suited for improving the energy efficiency of magnetic data storage and logic, as it enables the electrical switching and modulation of magnetism without the need for external magnetic fields. Recent breakthroughs have further revealed the potential to use light metals and rare-earth-free magnetic materials in spintronic devices. This development aligns with the urgent need to transition toward cleaner technologies that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly. In this context, the SpinDy project addresses both fundamental and technological challenges in spintronics by exploring novel strategies for developing proof-of-concept devices that enable highly efficient data manipulation. The project goal is to create spintronic systems that can be dynamically switched between two distinct operational states: one optimized for low-power reading and writing, and another designed for robust, non-volatile information storage. This functionality is made possible by tuning the energy barrier for magnetic switching through voltage-driven ion migration across a solid-state gate. Applying a gate voltage enables the reversible modification of material composition within the device, which in turn alters its spin transport properties and operational mode. This approach allows for energy-efficient operation without sacrificing long-term data retention, paving the way for future computing technologies that are both high-performing and sustainable.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union