Innovative Ni₄W Alloy Enhances Magnetization Control in Electronics

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities have unveiled significant advancements in electronic memory technology with their recent study on a nickel-tungsten alloy known as Ni₄W. Published in the peer-reviewed journal *Advanced Materials* on July 18, 2025, this research highlights the alloy's ability to facilitate efficient control of magnetization through strong spin-orbit torque (SOT), a mechanism crucial for next-generation memory and logic devices.

The study's lead author, Jian-Ping Wang, Distinguished McKnight Professor and Robert F. Hartmann Chair in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Minnesota, emphasized that Ni₄W could dramatically reduce power consumption in electronic devices. "Ni₄W reduces power usage for writing data, potentially cutting energy use in electronics significantly," stated Wang, underlining the material's potential to enhance the efficiency of devices ranging from smartphones to data centers.

As technology advances, the demand for energy-efficient memory solutions is escalating. Traditional materials often require external magnetic fields for data manipulation, leading to higher energy usage. However, Ni₄W allows for 'field-free' switching of magnetic states, enabling multi-directional spin currents that enhance performance while minimizing energy requirements. According to Yifei Yang, a fifth-year Ph.D. student involved in the research, "We observed high SOT efficiency with multi-direction in Ni₄W both on its own and when layered with tungsten, pointing to its strong potential for use in low-power, high-speed spintronic devices."

Notably, Ni₄W is composed of readily available metals and can be produced using standard industrial processes, making it an attractive option for industry partners. This aspect was highlighted by Seungjun Lee, a postdoctoral fellow in the same department, who remarked, "We are very excited to see that our calculations confirmed the choice of the material and the SOT experimental observation."

The implications of this research extend beyond mere technical specifications. The integration of Ni₄W into electronic devices could promote sustainability in technology, addressing growing concerns about electricity consumption in the digital age. With a focus on developing devices smaller than previous models, the research team aims to transition from theoretical findings to practical applications.

This study was conducted in collaboration with various researchers from the University of Minnesota, including Michael Odlyzko and Tony Low, and reflects a concerted effort to push the boundaries of spintronics—an area of electronics that exploits the intrinsic spin of electrons, in addition to their charge, for data processing.

In summary, the promising characteristics of Ni₄W present an exciting frontier in the development of faster, more energy-efficient electronic devices, potentially reshaping the landscape of memory technology in the years to come. As researchers continue to explore the capabilities of this alloy, its adoption could lead to significant advancements in consumer electronics and data centers alike, fostering a smarter and more sustainable technological future.