MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (07/18/2025) — Researchers at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities have unveiled a groundbreaking material that promises to revolutionize computer memory by making it faster and more energy-efficient. This significant advancement, detailed in the peer-reviewed journal Advanced Materials, could drastically reduce the power consumption of electronic devices, from smartphones to data centers.
The study introduces a novel approach to controlling magnetization in electronic devices using a material known as Ni₄W, composed of nickel and tungsten. This low-symmetry material has been shown to generate powerful spin-orbit torque (SOT), a critical mechanism for manipulating magnetism in next-generation memory and logic technologies.
“Ni₄W reduces power usage for writing data, potentially cutting energy use in electronics significantly,” said Jian-Ping Wang, a senior author of the paper and a Distinguished McKnight Professor at the University of Minnesota. The implications of this discovery are far-reaching, offering a path toward more sustainable and efficient electronic devices.
Revolutionizing Memory Technology
As the demand for more efficient memory technology grows, researchers are increasingly focused on finding alternatives that can deliver high performance with low energy consumption. The introduction of Ni₄W represents a significant step forward in this quest.
Yifei Yang, a co-first author on the paper and a Ph.D. student in Wang’s group, highlighted the unique properties of Ni₄W: “Unlike conventional materials, Ni₄W can generate spin currents in multiple directions, enabling ‘field-free’ switching of magnetic states without the need for external magnetic fields.” This capability points to its strong potential for use in low-power, high-speed spintronic devices.
Industry Implications and Future Applications
Ni₄W is not only effective but also economically viable. Made from common metals and compatible with standard industrial manufacturing processes, it holds significant appeal for industry partners. This material could soon be integrated into everyday technologies, such as smartwatches and smartphones, enhancing their functionality while reducing energy consumption.
Seungjun Lee, a postdoctoral fellow and co-first author, expressed excitement over the findings: “We are very excited to see that our calculations confirmed the choice of the material and the SOT experimental observation.” The next phase of research involves further miniaturizing these materials for even more compact applications.
Collaborative Efforts and Support
The research team, led by Wang, Yang, and Lee, includes a diverse group of experts from the University of Minnesota’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Their collaborative efforts with the University of Minnesota Characterization Facility and the Minnesota Nano Center were instrumental in achieving these results.
This project received support from SMART (Spintronic Materials for Advanced Information Technologies), a leading research center focused on developing spin-based computing and memory systems. SMART is part of the Semiconductor Research Corporation’s nCORE program, sponsored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Read the full paper entitled, “Large Spin-Orbit Torque with Multi-Directional Spin Components in Ni₄W,” on the Advanced Materials website.
Looking Forward
The discovery of Ni₄W’s properties marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of more sustainable electronic technologies. As the team continues to refine and develop this material, the potential for widespread industrial application grows, promising a future where electronics are not only smarter but also more energy-efficient.
As this research progresses, industry stakeholders and consumers alike can anticipate a new era of electronic devices characterized by reduced energy consumption and enhanced performance, aligning with global sustainability goals.
