Victor H. González

I am a last year PhD student in the Applied Spintronics Group at the University of Gothenburg. In my research, I use spintronic and solid state devices to  to realize unconventional and neuromorphic computation architectures. I think that using the nonlinearity and parallellization inherent in physical systems, paired with cleverly implemented control mechanisms, can help produce faster and less energy intensive next-generation computation accelerators.

You can find out more in our recent paper paper on Current Opinion in Solid State and Materials Science:
Spintronic devices as next-generation computation accelerators

This paper delves into the growing field of spintronics and its potential to revolutionize how we approach computational challenges, particularly through Ising machines and neuromorphic computing. With silicon-based technologies nearing their limits, spintronics offers an exciting alternative that could pave the way for more energy-efficient, scalable, and powerful computing systems.Today’s computers, while impressive, face limitations. They consume a lot of power and are becoming increasingly difficult to miniaturize. This is where “spintronics” emerges as a promising alternative! Spintronics utilizes a fascinating principle of physics to enhance the speed and efficiency of computers. It involves harnessing the “spin” of electrons, akin to a minuscule spinning top within them.

What are Ising Machines?
Imagine a complex puzzle with numerous possible solutions. Ising machines are specialized computers designed to solve these puzzles rapidly. They employ a physics concept known as the “Ising model,” which guides them in discovering the optimal solution among a vast number of possibilities. And here’s the exciting part: spintronics can be used to construct these remarkable Ising machines!

Spintronic Ising Machines:
Spintronic Ising machines come in a few different types:

  • Oscillator-based: These machines utilize tiny electronic components that generate waves to represent the puzzle pieces and their connections.
  • Probabilistic: These machines employ “magnetic tunnel junctions” to test different solutions randomly until the best one is found. It’s like flipping a coin, but with a much higher level of intelligence!
  • Spin-wave based: These machines use waves in magnetic materials to represent the puzzle, similar to ripples in water.
Each type possesses unique strengths, but they all share the fundamental advantages of spintronics: exceptional speed, low power consumption, and the potential for extreme miniaturization.

Benchmarking and Comparison
How do these spintronic Ising machines measure up? We can assess them based on several factors:
  • Speed: How quickly they can find the solution.
  • Energy efficiency: The amount of power they consume.
  • Scalability: The number of puzzle pieces they can handle.
  • Stability: Their level of reliability.
In comparison to other technologies, spintronics demonstrates significant advantages. It can surpass traditional computers in terms of speed and energy efficiency, and it even has the potential to outperform advanced computing technologies like quantum annealers.

Future Outlook
So, what are the potential applications of these spintronic Ising machines? They hold the key to revolutionizing various fields, including:
  • Machine learning: Enabling computers to learn and adapt in a manner similar to the human brain.
  • Combinatorial optimization: Solving intricate problems in areas like scheduling and logistics.
  • Scientific simulations: Gaining a deeper understanding of processes like protein folding and molecular interactions.
Researchers are dedicated to improving these machines by expanding their capacity, enhancing control, and exploring new materials for their construction.

If you are interested in reading more about my work, I have a personal blog post where I go into details about my other papers, computational methods and personal opinions about the cutting-edge of computation technologies.