Researchers in the US have developed a highly sensitive magnetic material that could revolutionize data storage (in computer hard drives) and energy storage systems.
The material was created by researchers at the University of California. It consists of layers of nickel and vanadium oxide. As it turned out, even a slight change in temperature is capable of dramatically altering its magnetic properties. This ability is extremely valuable in the field of electronic engineering.
"There is no other known material with this behavior. At low temperatures, the oxide acts as an insulator. At high temperatures, it turns into a metal, and in between, it transforms into this strange material," says Ivan Skaler, a member of the research team that announced its discovery at the American Physical Society conference in Denver.
Although it is still too early to determine the scope of its applications, the researchers believe that one obvious use is in the field of computer data storage. Another possible application, according to the scientists, is in electrical grids or energy storage devices.
Source: tovima.gr
