Thermo-Electricity: Future Computers Could Run On Their Own Heat Rather Than Electricity
Monday, September 27, 2010 - 19:49
in Physics & Chemistry
A semiconductor material called gallium manganese arsenide has been shown to have an interesting new effect that converts heat into a quantum mechanical phenomenon – known as spin – in a semiconductor. If developed, the effect could enable integrated circuits that run on heat, rather than electricity. This research merges two new technologies, thermo-electricity and spintronics. Researchers around the world are working to develop electronics that utilize the spin of electrons to read and write data - desirable because in principle they could store more data in less space, process data faster and consume less power. read more
