IBM scientists have developed a new technique called spin-excitation spectroscopy to explore and control magnetism at its fundamental atomic level.

The method promises to be important in designing future computer circuits and data-storage elements as they shrink toward atomic dimensions and in laying the foundation for new materials and computing devices that leverage atom-scale magnetic phenomena, such as quantum computers.

Spin-excitation spectroscopy uses IBM’s low-temperature scanning tunneling microscope designed for use with magnetic fields up to 140,000 times stronger than the earth’s. The researchers first move atoms into position and then measure the interactions between their atomic spins, which are the fundamental sources of magnetism.