Three-dimensional nanomagnets to improve devices of the future

Storing and transmitting information in two-dimensional circuits of electronic devices has been possible since the 60’s. Expanding the possibilities, the University of Cambridge has now created a nanoscale magnetic circuit that moves along three dimensions of space.     

Researchers have made remarkable progress and technological advances with gadgets, devices, tools, and apps. This has also prompted researchers to begin exploring the third dimension for newer ways to improve existing devices. In a new study conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge and Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands, functional circuits that could process information were created using state-of-the-art 3D-nanoprinting along with traditional methods. Amalio Fernández-Pacheco, principal investigator of the project at the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge, states: "We demonstrate a new way to fabricate and use a magnetic device which, in a nanometric scale, can controllably move information along the three dimensions of space."  

An electron microscope was used along with a gas injector to 3D print a suspended scaffold on a traditional 2D Silicon substrate to create these nano-magnets. The magnetic material was then deposited over the whole ensemble. This facilitated information transport. The researchers combined an extremely precise fabrication protocol with a laser system for the process.

Studies such as these will pave the way for the new generation of magnetic devices that can efficiently store and move information.  

Source:

Dédalo Sanz-Hernández, Ruben F. Hamans, Jung-Wei Liao, Alexander Welbourne, Reinoud Lavrijsen, Amalio Fernández-Pacheco.
Fabrication, Detection, and Operation of a Three-Dimensional Nanomagnetic Conduit. ACS Nano, 2017; DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.7b05105