The review article published in Reviews of Modern Physics by Fèlix Casanova, Prof. Albert Fert, and colleagues sheds light on the current advancements in the electrical control of magnetism and provides insights into the future of this field. Albert Fert, a renowned French physicist and Nobel Prize winner, has been instrumental in the discovery of giant magnetoresistance, a breakthrough that revolutionized hard disk technology.
Fert’s research not only transformed the capacity and applications of hard disk drives but also paved the way for the development of energy-efficient microprocessors. To tackle the challenges faced by modern electronics, Fert has collaborated with Intel and the nanodevices group at CIC nanoGUNE to explore new device technologies that consume less energy.
The review delves into recent progress in the electrical manipulation of magnetism using electric fields and current-induced torques. It starts by explaining the fundamental concepts in each of these directions, explores their synergy, and then delves into various device families that leverage electrical control of magnetic properties across different application domains.
The article wraps up by offering insights into the emerging concepts in fundamental physics and novel pathways in materials science. The dance between fundamental research in spintronics, condensed matter physics, and materials science, and technological applications like MRAMs, MESO transistors, and spin diodes, has led to significant scientific and technological breakthroughs in recent years.
The narrative of electrically switching magnetization presented in the review underscores the intricate relationship between fundamental research and technological innovation. This symbiotic relationship has spurred revolutionary advancements such as pure spin current conceptualization, magnetic skyrmion observation, and spin-charge interconversion effects discovery.
The interdisciplinary nature of electrical control of magnetism holds promise for shaping the future of modern electronics. By bridging the gap between fundamental research and practical applications, researchers and industry experts can unlock new possibilities in device design, energy efficiency, and performance optimization in electronic systems.