From collective behavior to computing in magnetic nanostructure arrays: Theory, modeling, and technology assessment

Silicon microelectronics is arguably the most successful technological revolution ever seen. The number of transistors on a chip has increased by nine orders of magnitude over the past 45 years. However, growing technical and economic challenges have led to diminishing returns, and continued miniaturization may not be feasible beyond the next ten years. Thus, we need alternatives for the next generation of information technologies.; In this work, we model the collective dynamics of nanoscale magnetic wire and disk arrays, to evaluate their potential circuit applications. We developed models based on structures grown in our laboratories using new non-lithographic methods.; We describe the behavior of a new type of magnetic nanowire array, using a Monte-Carlo method to study the time evolution of these systems. We use a new mean field model to study the collective array properties and their hysteresis loops. We estimate nanowire inversion times using the Landau-Lifschitz-Gilbert (LLG) micromagnetic equations.; We model the behavior of magnetic nanodisk arrays using a Monte-Carlo method based on the LLG equations, and expand this method to three dimensions to study the behavior of nanoscale magnetic logic devices. The results demonstrate that nanomagnet arrays can perform general purpose digital computation using prepared initial states and adiabatic clocking. These devices operate slowly, with extremely low power dissipation.; Finally, we discuss the analogies between interacting nanostructure arrays and collective computation models in order to assess the potential applications of these arrays in information technology.