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Researchers Put 'Spin' in Silicon

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the while-the-dj-revolves-it dept.

ccellist writes "Physorg.com is reporting on the University of Delaware and Cambridge NanoTech's experiments regarding 'spintronics,' or the ability to use information about electron spin in atoms of silicon to encode information, much like we use information about an electron's charge state in computers today. 'Spintronics' research hopes to usher in a new age of computer speed and performance by measuring and even controlling the angular momentum displayed by all electrons, and using this information to encode data. Researchers for the first time have successfully conducted the spin of electrons in a custom-made silicon chip, a process known as 'spin transport.'"

6 of 50 comments (clear)

  1. Putting a spin on it by aussie_a · · Score: 2, Funny

    I'd like to see the Luddites try putting a spin on this one.

  2. Re:And here I thought that by athakur999 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Will these computers work in the Fox News offices? As we all know, that is a "No Spin" zone.

    --
    "People that quote themselves in their signatures bother me" - athakur999
  3. Angular momentum by suv4x4 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Quoting from a movie I saw once. The editor tells the article author how he edited his work:

    Editor: "I replaced atom with molecule here and there, atom repeats too much"
    Author: "But... it's not the same thing at all!"
    Editor: "Oh come on! Who'll know the difference. Molecule, atom.. same thing to me."

    So, in the light of this, particle "spin" isn't about an electron actually spinning, and thus "angular momentum" as seen in the article text, so that's pretty hilarious replacement.

    Another thing you may want to know for future articles: quark colors also aren't actual colors.

    1. Re:Angular momentum by Hemogoblin · · Score: 2, Funny

      It was here that the thaum, hitherto believed to be the smallest possible particle of magic, was succesfully demonstrated to be made up of /resons/ (Lit.: 'Thing-ies') or reality fragments. Currently research indicates that each reson is itself made up of a combination of at least five 'flavours', known as 'up', 'down', 'sideways', 'sex appeal' and 'peppermint'.

      - Terry Pratchett, Lords and Ladies
    2. Re:Angular momentum by noidentity · · Score: 2, Funny

      'So, in the light of this, particle "spin" isn't about an electron actually spinning, and thus "angular momentum" as seen in the article text, so that's pretty hilarious replacement.'

      I offer "angular momentum enhancement" as a politically-correct alternative to "spin control".

  4. Expanding markets by HotBBQ · · Score: 3, Funny

    I have a far more entertaining idea for spinning silicone. It mostly involves cheesy stage names and tassels.