Apr. 3, 2008 A modern computer contains two different types of
components: magnetic components, which perform memory functions,
and semiconductor components, which perform logic operations. A
University of Missouri researcher, as part of a multi-university
research team, is working to combine these two functions in a
single hybrid material. This new material would allow seamless
integration of memory and logical functions and is expected to
permit the design of devices that operate at much higher speeds
and use considerably less power than current electronic devices.
Giovanni Vignale, MU physics professor in the College of Arts
and Science and expert in condensed matter physics, says the
primary goal of the research team, funded by a $6.5 million
grant from the Department of Defense, is to explore new ways to
integrate magnetism and magnetic materials with emerging
electronic materials such as organic semiconductors. The
research may lead to considerably more compact and energy-
efficient devices. The processi