Super-efficient Nanomagnetic computers on their way

Most of the magnetic chip-driven computers are known to be energy-efficient but their efficiency limits are defined by the laws of physics. In other words, conventional computers running on chips invariably end up consuming more energy than their theoretical needs, thanks to their tiny electrons that suck substantial energy while shuttling around circuits to process information.

Nanomagnetic computer chips

A new research by engineer Brian Lambson of the Berkeley-based University of California has proved that nanomagnetic computers have the potential to consume only that much energy as is required to carry out theoretical computation, thereby, breaking the second law of thermodynamics. Although these are early days, such computers are likely to be used in deep seas and space, where energy conservation becomes paramount due to less availability of energy. The best aspect of these computers would be that they would never overheat unlike the case with conventional computers.

The nanomagnetic chips are made from refrigerator magnet-like material stacked in rectangular rows. Each rectangle has a side measuring 100 nanometers and bears magnetic poles. Information is stored in line with their pointers (one configuration 1, other 0). The tiny magnets are tightly coupled and hence ensure smooth magnetic field interaction. Precisely why the information transfer does not cause any physical changes to the chip. The absence of moving parts whatsoever makes the nanomagnetic chips super energy-efficient.

Although the results are yet not proven, Lambson's experiments have successfully estimated the change in magnetic fields during computation and in turn calculated the energy required to drive the said change. To Lambson's surprise, his results were almost the same as set by IBM physicist Rolf Landauer way back in 1961 who claimed that irrespective of the computer's make-up and type, any physical change of movement necessarily accompanies a transfer of energy. In actual practice, most computers are known to suck a million times more energy than what's set by the "Landauer limit".

Nanomagnetic logic expert of the University of Notre Dame, Wolfgang Porod has observed that the Landauer limit is largely academic. But given the recent successful experiments with amazingly tiny devices, he believes, the use of magnets in making ultra efficient computers is the way to go. That's a resounding thumbs up for Lambson's research which is due to be published in Physical Review Letters.

Via: Wired