SibFU scientists describe the properties of new materials that can increase operating speed of your computer

A group of scientists of Siberian Federal University suggested making materials that are used for the production of spin transistors based on the new composite, which will constitute the substrate of iron and molecules of C₆₀ sprayed on it. The work of scientists describes the behavior of the C₆₀ fullerene on the surface of iron and emerging properties of the composite. It is assumed that in the future such materials can be used in spintronics.

As Alexander Kuzubov, Cand. Sc. (Physics and Mathematics), Associate Professor of the Department of Physical and Inorganic Chemistry, explained, spintronics is looking for new materials suitable for using in processors: "If we want to increase computer speed, we need to increase the speed of electrons moving there. Apart from the charge, electrons have a magnetic moment and create a magnetic field around, and this field can be further captured. Accordingly, this additional control will reduce the current magnitude of modern electronic devices and the size of transistors. This will automatically increase their speed because electrons will pass faster through the composite layer".

It is assumed that if to pass current through the composite layer, that is to put another electrode after the fullerene, it will lead to not just the current passing through the system but the current of electrons whose magnetic moments are ordered. Scientists from Japan experimentally proved that this current flows. Siberian scientists examined the various positions of the C₆₀ molecules based on the quantum chemical calculations and considered the possibility of their migration along the surface of iron, as well as the impact on the properties of the composite.

"In our work we have shown how such systems work, what happens inside them and how. C₆₀ molecules on the iron substrate are constantly moving and rolling. They have several possible positions that differ by where fullerene is relatively iron: above iron atom, between two atoms of iron. We also showed that what we see in the system are not still but migrating fullerenes due to what the properties of the composite are averaged. Electrons are transferred from iron into the fullerene, what is more, not all them but ones polarized with the certain direction of the magnetic moment, with a certain spin. This means that spin current must flow in such a system. That is, we can assume, it is a good material for spintronics, which can significantly increase the speed of our computers ", — concluded Alexander Kuzubov.

Press Office of SibFU , 25 may 2016