Researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking method to manipulate the magnetic properties of quantum materials using applied voltage. This discovery, centered around lanthanum strontium manganite (LSMO), was published in the journal Nano Letters on January 17, 2025.
LSMO exhibits unique behaviors; it becomes magnetic and metallic at low temperatures but transitions to a non-magnetic and insulating state when warmed. The innovative research demonstrates that applying voltage to LSMO within its magnetic phase can create regions with varying magnetic properties, a phenomenon not typically observed in magnetic materials.
This voltage-induced tuning of magnetism opens avenues for energy-efficient control methods, crucial for the development of neuromorphic circuits that emulate human brain processing. The dual capability of LSMO to adjust both its magnetic properties and electrical resistance enhances its potential in creating advanced neuromorphic devices.
Utilizing ferromagnetic resonance techniques, the research team detected multiple magnetic phases within LSMO, each characterized by distinct electron spin oscillation frequencies. Remarkably, minor voltage adjustments resulted in significant shifts in these frequencies, showcasing the material's sensitivity and adaptability.
The implications of this discovery extend to the realm of spintronics, where LSMO may serve as a pivotal component in the design of spintronic neuromorphic devices. These devices promise to revolutionize artificial intelligence by facilitating faster, smarter, and more energy-efficient information processing technologies.