UCLA researchers have built the first logic gate a few microns long that can process the data carried by spin waves.

The logic gates have the potential to work on a much smaller scale than conventional transistors because they do not rely on a flow of electrons. Also, no electrons actually move in this device, so less energy should be lost as heat and could allow for great packing density, resulting in ultra-low-power computers.

To generate the waves, electrons are zapped with a magnetic field. The waves then flow along transmission lines buried in the chip and are processed by making them interfere.