Ferrotoroidic domains to boost processing power?
German researchers have observed, for the first time, ferrotoroidic domains in a material called Hübnerit (LiCoPO4). The researchers said that, by using short pulse spectroscopy, they could discern two types, depending on magnetic spin direction. The researchers believe that, by manipulating such domains, data could be stored and processed more quickly than in current computers.
Reporting their findings in the latest issue of Nature, the teams claim domains are of ‘unparalleled technological importance’ as they are used for information storage and for electronic, magnetic and optical switches. Head researcher Manfred Fiebig, said: “One could compare ferrotoroidic domains with roundabouts in the UK. By using an electric field, one could ‘read’ the domains, using them in the same way as ferromagnetic domains on the surface of a hard disk. We are looking for a way to manipulate ferrotoroidic domains so that we can write and read data.”
