  Spin-based electronics has evolved into a major field of research that
broadly encompasses different classes of materials, magnetic systems, and
devices. This review describes recent advances in spintronics that have the
potential to impact key areas of information technology and microelectronics.
We identify four main axes of research: nonvolatile memories, magnetic sensors,
microwave devices, and beyond-CMOS logic. We discuss state-of-the-art
developments in these areas as well as opportunities and challenges that will
have to be met, both at the device and system level, in order to integrate
novel spintronic functionalities and materials in mainstream microelectronic
platforms.
