Laser-induced magnetic property gradients using Direct-Write Laser Annealing for advanced data storage and computing technologies

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1109121

heats areas down to 150 nm on thin magnetic films' surface... modulating laser's intensity can alter magnetization strength/ direction, change: oxidation, crystallization, alloying... 2D gradients/ arbitrary shapes (circles, spirals, snowflakes) of magnetic properties, previously limited to 1D gradients... spintronics, continuous magnetic gradient allows electric current (instead of magnetic field) to write/ read... in-memory computing, creates magnetic landscapes mimicking neurons, can change material's refractive index"