Spin-driven electrical power generation at room temperature

• Published in: Communications physics Vol. 2; no. 1
• Main Authors: Katcko, K., Urbain, E., Taudul, B., Schleicher, F., Arabski, J., Beaurepaire, E., Vileno, B., Spor, D., Weber, W., Lacour, D., Boukari, S., Hehn, M., Alouani, M., Fransson, J., Bowen, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group 01.12.2019; Nature Research
• Subjects: Business competition; Condensed Matter; Electron spin; Energy; Energy harvesting; Ferromagnetism; Magnesium oxide; Organic materials; Physics; Polarization (spin alignment); Room temperature; Spintronics; Thermal energy; Tunnel junctions
• ISSN: 2399-3650; 2399-3650
• DOI: 10.1038/s42005-019-0207-8

Abstract On-going research is exploring novel energy concepts ranging from classical to quantum thermodynamics. Ferromagnets carry substantial built-in energy due to ordered electron spins. Here, we propose to generate electrical power at room temperature by utilizing this magnetic energy to harvest thermal fluctuations on paramagnetic centers using spintronics. Our spin engine rectifies current fluctuations across the paramagnetic centers’ spin states by utilizing so-called ‘spinterfaces’ with high spin polarization. Analytical and ab-initio theories suggest that experimental data at room temperature from a single MgO magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) be linked to this spin engine. Device downscaling, other spintronic solutions to select a transport spin channel, and dual oxide/organic materials tracks to introduce paramagnetic centers into the tunnel barrier, widen opportunities for routine device reproduction. At present MgO MTJ densities in next-generation memories, this spin engine could lead to ‘always-on’ areal power densities that are highly competitive relative to other energy harvesting strategies.