Edinburgh scientists propose method that could cut magnetic memory energy use by orders of magnitude

September 6, 2026 at 05:00 AM2 min

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University of Edinburgh researchers have developed a theoretical framework that could reduce energy needed to store and manipulate digital information in magnetic memory by several orders of magnitude. The approach uses Optimal Control Theory to design ultrafast magnetic-field pulses that switch magnetic states with minimal energy, approaching the Landauer limit. The framework, published in Advanced Materials, includes practical guidance for device designs and magnetic field delivery.

Key Facts

University of Edinburgh researchers developed a theoretical framework using Optimal Control Theory to design ultrafast magnetic-field pulses that switch magnetic states with minimal energy.
Computer simulations suggest the method could lower switching energy by several orders of magnitude compared with DRAM, STT-MRAM, and emerging SOT-MRAM devices.
The predicted energy requirements move future magnetic memory much closer to the Landauer limit, the fundamental thermodynamic minimum for processing one bit of information.
The framework, described in Advanced Materials, includes practical guidance for optimized device designs and methods for delivering magnetic fields.

Optimal Control Framework

The researchers replaced conventional magnetic switching design methods with Optimal Control Theory, a mathematical approach for determining the most efficient path to a specific goal. The team created a framework for designing ultrafast magnetic-field pulses that switch magnetic states while consuming as little energy as possible. The calculations take realistic experimental limitations into account, making the approach more relevant to potential future devices.

Energy Reduction Potential

Computer simulations indicate the method could lower switching energy by several orders of magnitude compared with leading memory technologies, including DRAM, STT-MRAM, and emerging SOT-MRAM devices. The predicted energy requirements move future magnetic memory much closer to the Landauer limit, the fundamental thermodynamic limit defining the minimum energy required to process a single bit of information. Approaching that limit would mark a major advance in making computing as energy efficient as physically possible.

Practical Implementation Guidance

The framework, described in Advanced Materials, goes beyond theoretical calculations. It includes practical guidance for possible implementation, including optimized device designs and methods for delivering magnetic fields.