One step closer to total wireless

The two types of magnetic waves which scientists have succeeded in producing, so-called spin waves, go under the names of propagating (or spreading) and localized spin waves. The former spread like ripples on water outwards from the nano-contact, and the localized spin waves are firmly held in the area where the current flows.

"In the future, this may mean that you will not need some of the circuits we have on today's circuit boards. Instead, information can be sent wirelessly. It opens up the possibility of creating much more sophisticated electronic equipment than that available today," says Stefano Bonetti, a recently qualified doctor at the Department of Material Physics at KTH, and one of the scientists who has been involved in the collaboration.

He adds that the research results may also mean that we can produce more advanced radar equipment. Moreover, the width of the data channel is huge, which means that end users could in future be equipped with these kinds of high-speed channels at home. For example, to get rid of the cables and to be able to wirelessly transmit films from a Blu-ray player to a number of HD TV sets.

"As a result of the research, we have demonstrated something that we have not been able to prove in the past, that there are two types of spins waves. Being able to understand the details about how spin waves work is important for a variety of reasons. Among other things, to be able to carry out further research in this area and to create real applications," says Stefano Bonetti.

The work was recently published in the prestigious journal Physical Review Letters, and lays the foundation for a deeper understanding of spin waves in spintronic components.

For more information, contact Stefano Bonetti 08-790 43 59 or bonetti@kth.se

Here you will be able to find the work on the Physical Review Letters' website

Peter Larsson