Nickel-Tungsten Alloy Cuts Power Use in Electronics

Researchers have developed a nickel-tungsten (NiW) material exhibiting a powerful spin-orbit torque (SOT), a mechanism for manipulating magnetism in future memory and logic technologies. Published in Advanced Materials, the research demonstrates that NiW generates spin currents in multiple directions, potentially enabling energy-efficient switching of magnetic states without external fields. The team, collaborating across multiple departments and facilities including the University of Minnesota, confirmed alignment between calculations and experimental observations, suggesting the material’s compatibility with standard industrial processes for use in devices such as smart watches and mobile phones. Funding for the work was provided by SMART, the Global Research Collaboration Logic and Memory program, and the National Science Foundation.

A new material composed of nickel and tungsten (NiW) demonstrates the potential to reduce power consumption in electronic devices by generating a powerful spin-orbit torque (SOT). This mechanism is used to manipulate magnetism in future memory and logic technologies. Published in Advanced Materials, the research details a more efficient method for controlling magnetization in small electronic devices, potentially leading to significant energy savings. The material’s ability to generate spin currents in multiple directions enables field-free switching of magnetic states, thereby removing the need for external magnetic fields.

NiW’s composition, utilising commonly manufactured metals and standard industrial processes, is considered particularly attractive for potential implementation in everyday technologies, including smartwatches and mobile phones. Experimental observations confirmed high SOT efficiency, aligning with calculations for both NiW itself and when layered with tungsten, indicating strong potential for use in low power spintronics. This research builds upon previous work and will now focus on scaling down the material for use in even smaller devices.

The research involved collaboration between the Departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, as well as the University of Minnesota Characterization Facility and the Minnesota Nano Center. Funding for the project was provided by SMART (Spintronic Materials for Advanced Information Technologies), the Global Research Collaboration Logic and Memory program, and the National Science Foundation. The full research paper, entitled “Large Spin-Orbit Torque with Multi-Directional Spin Components in Ni4W,” is available on the Advanced Materials website.