Heat dissipation is threatening to end the exponential increase in the rate of information processing that has taken place over the last 25 years. As a result, the search for modes of logic that use less energy is intensifying. One approach that has received considerable attention is to use the electron’s spin degree of freedom, rather than its charge. In this talk I will discuss the why spin might have advantages, why these advantages have not yet been realized, and how the present difficulties might be overcome. I will emphasize some recent developments, such as the ability to turn on and off SU(2) spin symmetry with an applied electric field.

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Colloquia are held Tuesdays in Room 1410 at 4:00 pm (preceded by light refreshments at 3:30). The Fall 2009 schedule is listed below. If you have additional questions, please call 301-405-5946.