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Scientists of School of Natural Sciences of Far Eastern Federal University, together with colleagues from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, have developed a microstructure of platinum, cobalt and magnesium oxide, which is capable of operating in the ternary logic mode ("yes" - "no" - "I don't know"). On its basis, it will be possible to build miniature devices of electronics and spintronics, quantum processors operating with cutrites and neuromorphic systems imitating the functionality of the human brain. An article about this is published in Physical Review Applied.

Modern processors consume a lot of energy, are physically separated from memory cells, and their efficiency is limited by binary logic (“1” - “0”, “on” - “off”). These are the three main reasons that impede the further development of computer technology along the path of miniaturization and speed.

Within the framework of a joint project of the Russian Foundation for Basic Research and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, FEFU scientists have developed a cross-shaped microstructure, which consists of nanometer-sized layers of platinum, cobalt (only 0.8 nm), magnesium oxide, and a coating layer of platinum.

Such a structure can be both a processor and a memory block at the same time, which contributes to the miniaturization of devices implemented on its platform: electronics and spintronics (electronics operating on a spin current) operating on the ternary logic, including quantum processors operating with coutrites (three states) unlike qubits), and neuromorphic systems that mimic the functionality of the brain.

“Thanks to a certain sequence of layers and switching of the electron spins in the lower platinum layer, we were able to effectively control the three magnetic states in the cobalt layer, which correspond to the main positions of the ternary logic (“- 1 ”,“ 1 ”and“ 0 ”or“ yes ”-“ no " - "I do not know"). Trinity logic (Aristotle's logic) is far superior to binary, Boolean logic ("0" - "1"). The principles of ternary logic can form the basis of “smart” computers in the near future. These devices will have a higher speed, long life, and low power consumption compared to devices implemented on other principles”, said Alexander Samardak, Associate Professor of Computer Systems at FEFU School of Natural Sciences, Project Manager from Russia.

The scientist explained that the study indicated only the tip of the iceberg, and on the way to real spintronics devices and neuromorphic systems based on ternary logic, much more work is required.

First, you need to get rid of the constant magnetic field, which is used to violate magnetic symmetry. Second, it is necessary to reduce the cell size to 100-200 nm in order to realize a high packing density of the elements on the chip. Thirdly, it is necessary to solve the problem of accurately reading the state of the magnetic layer, which requires highly sensitive sensors based on the effect of tunnel magnetoresistance.

For 8 years, the scientific team from the film technology laboratory of FEFU School of Natural Sciences has been collaborating with colleagues from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, who are leaders in the production and study of thin-film systems for spintronics. During this time, scientists have implemented several joint projects on magnetic sensors and nanoscale spin systems.