Magnetic cellular automata (MCA) systems

Single-domain nanomagnets could potentially be used as magnetic logic elements. In this paper, the performance of magnetic cellular automaton (MCA) systems is assessed. The three main types are described briefly and one is analysed in detail. A micromagnetic model which uses Monte Carlo/Metropolis updating is described and shown to be able to reproduce room temperature experimental results. It is subsequently used to investigate a range of MCA system parameters. Emphasis is placed on the potential behaviour of real systems (those which operate at room temperature and which possess fabrication defects). It is found that real adiabatically clocked magnetic systems are likely to operate significantly more slowly than the previously projected limits.