Memristive, Spintronic, and 2D-Materials-Based Devices to Improve and Complement Computing Hardware

TL;DR

This paper discusses emerging memristive, spintronic, and 2D-material-based devices that could revolutionize computing hardware by addressing current limitations and enabling new paradigms like neuromorphic computing.

Contribution

It provides an overview of three promising technologies and their potential to transform conventional digital computers and support future computing paradigms.

Findings

Memristive electronics can improve energy efficiency.

Spintronic devices enable faster data processing.

2D-material electronics facilitate miniaturization and new functionalities.

Abstract

In a data-driven economy, virtually all industries benefit from advances in information technology -- powerful computing systems are critically important for rapid technological progress. However, this progress might be at risk of slowing down if we do not address the discrepancy between our current computing power demands and what the existing technologies can offer. Key limitations to improving energy efficiency are the excessive growth of data transfer costs associated with the von Neumann architecture and the fundamental limits of complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technologies, such as transistors. In this perspective article, we discuss three technologies that will likely play an essential role in future computing systems: memristive electronics, spintronics, and electronics based on 2D materials. We present how these may transform conventional digital computers and contribute to the adoption of new paradigms, like neuromorphic computing.