Spintronics Effect May Lead to Energy-Efficient Magnetic Batteries

October 10th, 2008 by Ariel Schwartz

Japanese researchers have discovered that electrons will rearrange themselves according to their spins if one side of a magnetized nickel-iron rod is heated up. This “spin-Seebeck” effect could give way to magnetic batteries that will be useful in the development of spintronics devices. Such devices use magnetic currents to reduce overheating in computer chips.

The “spin-Seebeck” effect is named after the original Seebeck effect, which was discovered in the 1800s. According to the Seebeck effect, heating one side of a conducting rod causes electrons to move towards the cooler end of the rod, ultimately leading to a voltage.

The new effect is similar, but affects electron spin.

And the “spin-Seebeck” effect isn’t just an interesting discovery— it could lead to more efficient computers. Magnetic information storage is much more energy efficient than electronic information storage since magnetic currents don’t generate waste heat (unlike electric currents). That means magnets may one day allow computer chips to become even smaller, faster, and less energy-intensive.

Photo Credit: Nature Magazine









Appreciate CleanTechnica’s originality? Consider becoming a CleanTechnica member, supporter, or ambassador — or a patron on Patreon.

Sign up for our free daily newsletter or weekly newsletter to never miss a story.

Have a tip for CleanTechnica, want to advertise, or want to suggest a guest for our CleanTech Talk podcast? Contact us here.

Latest Cleantech Talk Episode

About the Author Ariel Schwartz was formerly the editor of CleanTechnica and is a senior editor at Co.Exist. She has contributed to SF Weekly, Popular Science, Inhabitat, Greenbiz, NBC Bay Area, GOOD Magazine, and more. A graduate of Vassar College, she has previously worked in publishing, organic farming, documentary film, and newspaper journalism. Her interests include permaculture, hiking, skiing, music, relocalization, and cob (the building material). She currently resides in San Francisco, CA.