Spin-torque nanomagnet switching breaks speed limits

Dynamic Static Random Access Memory (DRAM) and Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) require constant power in order to retain memory. Using a magnetic memory chip known as Magnetic Random Access Memory (MRAM), information can be stored in the form of magnetization. The newest generation of MRAM employs the spin-torque effect for programming the magnetic bits. By using a current pulse, the spin-torque can be controlled and the memory state of the cell can be programmed. An experiment performed at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in Germany has uncovered that a spin-torque switching of a nanomagnet is as fast as what is permitted according to the fundamental laws of physics’ limit.

This method of switching, also named ballistic switching, could allow for increased speeds in future non-volatile magnetic memories.

See thefutureofthings.com.

'Time Eater' clock reveals fascinating mechanism

A £1m clock called the "time eater" has been unveiled at Cambridge University by Professor Stephen Hawking. The clock has been designed by John Tayor - horologist and inventor whose thermostatic switch is incorporated in millions of electric appliance worldwide - the clock features a novel twist on the grasshopper escapement pioneered by John Harrison. Harrison invented the grasshopper escapement in the early 18th Century, which resulted in extremely accurate mechanical time keeping and was instrumental in solving the 'Longitude Problem.'

"I also wanted to depict that time is a destroyer - once a minute is gone you can't get it back. That's why my grasshopper is not a Disney character. He is a ferocious beast that over the seconds has his tongue lolling out, his jaws opening, then on the 59th second he gulps down time," said Taylor.

Congratulations to Dr Jonathan Moghal

Our congratulations to Dr Jonathan Moghal who has passed his PhD viva.

Johnny's supervisors were Dr Hugh Byrne and Dr Gordon Chambers of the Focas Institute and School of Physics, his internal examiner was Tony Betts of CREST and external examiner was Dr Wolfgang Maser, head of Department of Nanotechnology, Instituto de Carboquímica (CSIC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Spanish Research Council.

Congratulations to Dr Sharon McDermott

Our congratulations to Dr Sharon McDermott of the School of Physics who recently passed her PhD viva.

Sharon worked on the use of UV-LEDs in the photopolymerisation of the biocompatable polymer HEMA. The external examiner was Prof Werner Blau from Trinity College Dublin and the DIT internal examiner was Dr Hugh Byrne. Sharon's supervisors were Dr Robert Howard and Dr James Walsh.

Large Hadron Collider Rap

Who said physics wasn't fun?

First beam in large hadron collider (LHC) at CERN

Geneva, 10 September 2008.
The first beam in the Large Hadron Collider at CERN was successfully steered around the full 27 kilometres of the world’s most powerful particle accelerator at 10h28 CET this morning. This historic event marks a key moment in the transition from over two decades of preparation to a new era of scientific discovery.

See CERN LHC.

New staff members join the school

We welcome Dr Izabela Naydenova and Dr Sarah Tanner who join the teaching staff of the school today.

Prior to joining DIT, Dr Tanner was a post-doctoral research fellow at Dublin City University. Dr Naydenova was a post-doctoral research fellow in the Centre for Industrial and Engineering Optics, DIT.

We also welcome Prof. John Thompson who joins the School from the University of Maine as visiting Fulbright Scholar. Prof. Thompson will compare physics education research methods in Ireland with those in the U.S. and investigate how teaching strategies based on physics education research results might affect student learning of science at both the undergraduate and graduate level.