University of Edinburgh researchers propose energy-efficient magnetic memory

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed a theoretical framework that could significantly reduce the energy required for computer memory. By applying Optimal Control Theory, the team designed a method to create ultrafast magnetic-field pulses that switch magnetic states with minimal energy consumption.

The study focuses on atom-thin Van der Waals magnets, specifically compounds such as Fe₃GaTe₂, Fe₃GeTe₂, and CrSBr. These materials are considered strong candidates for future spintronic devices, where magnetic orientation represents digital information. The research team used computer simulations to model the reversal of magnetic orientation and the controlled dissolution of skyrmions—localized, vortex-like spin structures.

According to the findings, this optimized approach could potentially reduce the energy needed for writing data by up to two orders of magnitude compared to current field-driven switching methods. This development addresses the growing electricity demands of data centers and information technologies, such as artificial intelligence, which require massive amounts of data storage and processing power.