Researchers from the University of Delaware have discovered a new way to combine magnetic and electric forces in computing, which could lead to the creation of computers that operate much faster and consume significantly less energy.

In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists from the Center for Hybrid, Active, and Responsive Materials (CHARM) at the University of Delaware reported that magnons—tiny magnetic waves that travel through solid materials—are capable of generating measurable electric signals. This discovery points to the possibility of developing future computer chips that directly integrate magnetic and electric systems, eliminating the need for constant energy exchange that currently limits the performance of modern devices.

Magnons transmit information through the synchronized “spin” of electrons, creating wave-like structures within the material. According to theoretical models developed by the University of Delaware team, when these magnetic waves pass through antiferromagnetic materials, they can induce electric polarization, resulting in a measurable voltage.

Antiferromagnetic magnons can move at terahertz frequencies—about a thousand times faster than magnetic waves in conventional materials. This speed opens up new prospects for ultra-fast and energy-efficient computing. Currently, researchers are conducting experiments to confirm their theoretical predictions and are studying how magnons interact with light, which could lead to even more efficient ways to control them.

This work supports CHARM’s goal of developing hybrid quantum materials for advanced technologies. Scientists at the center are exploring how different types of materials—magnetic, electronic, and quantum systems—can be integrated and controlled to create next-generation technologies. The main objective of CHARM is to design smart materials that respond to their environment and enable breakthroughs in computing, energy, and communications.