Dutch scientists hailing from the Delft University of Technology managed to create an astonishingly small atomic sensor capable of registering magnetic waves that consist of merely 11 atoms.

binary code illustration - Image Credit: spainter_vfx via Shutterstock - HDR tune by Universal-Sci

Magnetic waves have long captivated scientists from around the world with their complex behavior and great potential for the future of communication technology. They have remained pretty elusive due to their cryptic behavior on a small scale. However, this new invention might accelerate our understanding about their complex nature.

The newly developed, minute sensor can register magnetic waves and has a 'build in' memory unit and reset button. Researches connected the sensor to a wire, consisting of just a few atoms as well, through which magnetic waves sent. Consequently, the sensor uses a single atom to absorb such a wave and several successive atoms to read out what it just registered.

Data processing can potentially be much more efficient if we were to switch to spintronic based technology. Rather than using conventional electrical signals, this technology utilizes magnetic signals to send data. However, the problem with using magnetism in data transmission is the incredible complexity it brings with it at the small scales of modern electronics.

This image of the device was made with a so called tunneling microscope. On the left side you can see a minuscule atomic wire consisting of 9 atoms connected to the atomic sensor located on the right - Image Credit: Delft University of Technology

In their press release, the researchers explained that a magnetic wave could be visualized as millions of compass needles acting out a complicated, collective dance. The fact that these waves travel incredibly quickly, making them disappear in only a few nanoseconds, isn't the only thing making things challenging. The intricate laws of quantum mechanics also enable them to move in various directions simultaneously.

In light of the difficulties mentioned above, the Delft scientists hope to learn more about the behavior of magnetic waves with their atomic sensor. Due to its minuscule size, it should be able to study the rapid oscillations of the magnetic waves. More knowledge on this subject could prove to be useful in future, environmentally friendly information technology applications.

If you are interested in the topic and would like to learn more about this incredible atomic sensor, be sure to check out the article published in the highly regarded science journal 'Nature Communications Physics' listed below. In addition, co-author Robbie Elbertse has sent us a video with extra clarification regarding the sensor.

Sources and further reading: