Magnetic bubbles and their applications

Magnetic bubble domains may be formed in platelets of certain magnetic materials. They are the basis for an unusual new breed of devices in which bubbles are selectively created, propagated, interacted, detected and annihilated, so that both memory and logic functions may be performed in a single piece of material. Bubble devices are very compact and dissipate little energy. This paper describes the nature of magnetic bubbles, and the materials which support them. Various aspects of device technology are introduced, with discussion of all the functions required, including bubble interaction logic. Applications for bubble devices are indicated.