Blue dye increases chip performance

Cobalt dye (dark blue) that 18th century painters still use promises to be one of the most feasible solutions to help computers operate faster and more efficiently.

Cobalt is produced when combining zinc oxide with cobalt. This semi-transparent dye was discovered by Swedish chemist Sven Rinmann in 1780. And American research experts believe it will help produce chips that work stably at room temperature. Like other materials, it must slow down.

Spintronic helps make chips smaller and more powerful.Photo: BBC

" The biggest challenge in developing materials is to make sure they can fulfill their functions not only in cold temperatures but also in many different actual temperatures ," said Professor Daniel Gamelin of the University. Washington (USA), explained.

Cobalt dyes are less likely to appear in painting works due to their expensive and pale colors. However, it is effective in spintronic devices (ring electronics) thanks to the magnetic ability.

Traditional electronics depend on the movement and accumulation of electrons to convert and store data. The spintronic uses electrons to increase the computing power of the device.

Theoretically, the spintronic device works fast and needs less energy. This technology has been included in several hard drive lines and will be used in sensors and computer memory.

The goal of American scientists when developing spintronic is to create a semiconductor that can control the magnetism of an electron. Semiconductors currently play a central role in computers and many other electronic devices. However, traditional chip manufacturing methods have reached a certain physical limit and spintronic becomes a new solution.

However, research on cobalt is still in the early stages. " The next step is to combine these materials with silicon semiconductors ," Gamelin said.