A new experimental discovery, led by researchers at the University of Minnesota, demonstrates that the chemical element ruthenium (Ru) is the fourth single element to have unique magnetic properties at room temperature. The discovery could be used to improve sensors, devices in the computer memory and logic industry, or other devices using magnetic materials.  

“Magnetism is always amazing. It proves itself again. We are excited and grateful to be the first group to experimentally demonstrate and add the fourth ferromagnetic element at room temperature to the periodic table,” said University of Minnesota Robert F. Hartmann professor of electrical and computer engineering Jian-Ping Wang, the corresponding author for the paper and Quarterman’s advisor.

In addition to Quarterman, Wang, and Voyles, researchers involved in this study include Javier Garcia-Barriocanal from the University of Minnesota Characterization Facility; Yang Lv from the University of Minnesota Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Mahendra DC from the University of Minnesota School of Physics and Astronomy; Sasikanth Manipatruni, Demitri Nikonov, and Ian Yang from Intel Components Research; and Congi Sun from the University of Wisconsin Department of Materials Science and Engineering.

To read the full paper entitled “Demonstration of Ru as the 4th ferromagnetic element at room temperature,” by Quarterman et al, visit the Nature Communications website.

This research is also covered by UofM, Tiwincities Geek.