This year's Nobel Prize for Physics was jointly awarded to Albert Fert and Peter Grunberg for the discovery of Giant Magnetoresistance. What the heck is that?
According to wikipedia.com, it "is a quantum mechanical effect, a type of magnetoresistance effect, observed in thin film structures composed of alternating ferromagnetic and nonmagnetic metal layers." I have to admit, that doesn't really clear it up for me.
According to NPR Giant Magnetoresistance "allows manufacturers to pack a lot more data on a single hard drive" and has "revolutionized computer memory." They add that the concept has revolutionized how engineers and computer scientists think about computer memory. Perhaps that doesn't really tell us what it is, but it does explain how it can be usefully applied!
If you're interested in a career in computer science, keep an eye on this idea, and have fun in your physics class! If you'd like more information on giant magnetoresistance, ask Mr. Kondro or Mr. Kadow.
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