U.S. Research Team Unveils New Chip M3BOLT That Can Boost Computer Speed by Up to 1,000 Times

A group of researchers in the United States has recently announced a new type of transistor that can increase computer speeds by up to 1,000 times while also being more energy-efficient. The chip, named M3BOLT, processes information using magnetic and acoustic waves instead of relying on traditional transistor switches. The project was developed by scientists from the University of Michigan (U-M) and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, receiving funding of up to $6 million (approximately HK$4,680,000) from the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

The research team believes this technology will enhance computer speeds by 100 to 1,000 times. According to the researchers, it also overcomes the limitations of traditional transistors, significantly reducing energy consumption. Project leader PhD, an associate professor of materials science at the University of Michigan, stated, "The ability to utilize and process information can be greatly expanded."

Computer processors contain billions of transistors that switch rapidly to process data and execute instructions. Manufacturers have spent decades shrinking transistor sizes to improve computing performance and reduce energy consumption. However, as transistors become smaller, their efficiency gradually decreases. This is because electrons can pass through even when the transistor is off, leading to energy waste. According to the team, traditional transistors may reach their theoretical energy efficiency limit by 2037.

Design and Functionality of the M3BOLT Chip

To overcome this challenge, scientists designed the M3BOLT, utilizing a ferroelectric crystal known as lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT) along with a thin layer of magnetic gallium iron alloy. When an electric field is applied, the internal electrical orientation of the crystal changes, which in turn affects the magnetism of the gallium layer and generates waves known as magnetic acoustic waves. These waves can propagate through the material with minimal resistance, reducing thermal energy loss. Since magnetic waves can reach terahertz frequencies, computers can process information at speeds hundreds of times faster than current consumer-grade gigahertz processors.

Moreover, this device can also process and store information. To achieve this, researchers need to alter the magnetic orientation of the gallium layer, switching between magnetic and non-magnetic acoustic waves. These two states can represent the binary states of 1 and 0, replacing the two voltage levels currently used in transistors. Notably, even after the power is turned off, the magnetic orientation remains unchanged. This means that the same material has the potential to process information and retain stored data without requiring a continuous power supply.

Potential of Future Computers

The thin film gallium alloy produced using laser pulse deposition technology helps conserve energy and reduce data transmission. "Automated or mobile devices can carry more powerful computers without needing large power supplies," Heron stated in a press release. The team at the University of Wisconsin-Madison will use computer simulations to study chip performance and identify potential material defects. Meanwhile, the team at the University of Michigan will continue developing materials, devices, and circuits to enable this technology to function in practical computers. Wei LU, an engineering professor at the University of Michigan, noted that the team is currently focused on devices for low-power applications.

"But imagine one day we can use them to build supercomputers," Wei concluded, "You might not need a nuclear power plant to run large data centers."