Fabrication of memory-based transport circuits of computer ram

Researchers working at the University of Colorado Boulder, USA together with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed: New generation microchip microchip (a combination of micro-liquid technology and magnetic switch devices to trap, release and transport magnetic particles (which are potential transport vehicles for biological molecules such as DNA).

"The key innovation in this new circuit is: the use of magnetic switches, similar to the chips of random access memory (RAM) in computers," according to the researchers. assist.

Conventional microfluidic systems use pumps and valves to transport magnetic particles and liquids through channels. Conventional Microchips help to transport magnetic particles through micro-liquid technology systems, but require constant power supply, as well as regular cooling to avoid damage to magnetic particles. due to overheating. The new microchip was developed according to new technology, by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder, USA, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), eliminating the above defects, in while still providing two-way random access control and memory is maintained even when the power is turned off.

In the display circuit (demo): The main feature of two adjacent lines with 12 thin film plates (which are magnetic switches) is also called rotary valve, often used as magnetic sensors in The reader of the hard drive (high density) computer.

In this case, the rotary valves are optimized for the function of magnetic trap formation. The electrical impulses used to convert the magnetic state of each rotating valve are: "turn on" to trap a magnetic particle, or "turn off" to release this magnetic particle, and thus move the magnetic particle This drops a ladder formed by two lines (lines). Magnetic particles begin to float in salt water on rotating valves before being arranged into rows.

"This is a completely new micro-liquid technology approach," said physicist John Moreland, who works at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). "What's interesting is that when a permanent magnet is transformed, it does not consume energy. The new circuits are cooled by the rapid state transition of the rotating valves, so only the supply is needed. the power for transitions occurs in less than one millionth of a second ".

Previously, researchers working at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have demonstrated that rotary valves can be used to trap and rotate magnetic particles, and they have recently been awarded 02 patents related to the idea of ​​making a magnetic circuit.

The magnetic circuits used in living tests such as purification of proteins and DNA, cell breakdown and division. The emergence of this new microchip, providing a new conceptual platform for a more complex magnetic memory access ( MRAM ) in molecular and cellular manipulation.