Holograms put storage capacity in a spin

The new type of memory device uses spin waves – a collective oscillation of spins in magnetic materials – instead of the optical beams. Spin waves are compatible with the conventional electronic devices and may operate at a much shorter wavelength than optical devices, allowing for smaller electronic devices that have greater storage capacity.

Experimental results obtained by the University of California, Riverside Bourns College of Engineering and Russian Academy of Science team show it is feasible to apply holographic techniques developed in optics to magnetic structures to create a magnonic holographic memory device. The research combines the advantages of the magnetic data storage with the wave-based information transfer.

In a statement, lead researcher and UC Riverside professor Alexander Khitun said: ‘The results open a new field of research, which may have tremendous impact on the development of new logic and memory devices.’

Holography is a technique based on the wave nature of light which allows the use of wave interference between the object beam and the coherent background. It is commonly associated with images being made from light, such as on driver’s licenses or paper currency. However, this is only a narrow field of holography.