Heat from computing can be used for computing

Physicists at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) in Germany and Central South University in China have demonstrated that, by combining specific materials, the heat generated by electronic devices can be used for computing. Their discovery, reported in a paper in Advanced Electronic Materials, is based on extensive calculations and simulations. The new approach demonstrates how heat signals can be steered and amplified for use in energy-efficient data processing.

The flow of electric current causes electronic devices to heat up; usually, the generated heat is dissipated and thus its energy is lost. “For decades, people have been looking for ways to re-use this lost energy in electronics,” explains Jamal Berakdar, a professor of physics at MLU. But this is extremely challenging, due to the difficulty of accurately directing and controlling heat signals, both of which are necessary if heat signals are to be used to reliably process data.

In this study, Berakdar carried out extensive calculations, together with two colleagues from Central South University in China. Their idea was that, instead of conventional electronic circuits, they would use non-conductive magnetic strips in conjunction with platinum spacers. According to their calculations, this set-up would allow information signals to be encoded as thermal spin waves: logical operations are realized with two magnetic strips and precisely controlled with current pulses in a platinum spacer.

“This unusual combination makes it possible to conduct and amplify heat signals in a controlled manner in order to power logical computing operations and heat diodes,” explains Berakdar.

One disadvantage of the new method, however, is its speed. “This method does not produce the kind of computing speeds we see in modern smartphones,” he says. That is why this new approach is probably less relevant for use in everyday electronics and is better suited for next generation computers that will be used to perform energy-saving calculations.

“Our technology can contribute to saving energy in information technology by making good use of surplus heat,” Berakdar says.

This story is adapted from material from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier. Link to original source.