From modeling quantum devices to political systems
Senior Sihao Huang uses his background in physics and complex systems to inform his interdisciplinary approach to political science.
Department
Physics
Scientists discover a mysterious transition in an electronic crystal
Thermal span in a layered compound promises applications in next-generation electrical switches and nonvolatile memory.
School of Science announces 2022 Infinite Expansion Awards
Eight postdocs and research scientists within the School of Science honored for contributions to the Institute.
Vibrating atoms make robust qubits, physicists find
The new qubits stay in “superposition” for up to 10 seconds, and could make a promising foundation for quantum computers.
Physicists discover “secret sauce” behind exotic properties of a new quantum material
New work on superconducting kagome metal will aid design of other unusual quantum materials, with many potential applications.
Scientists make first detection of exotic “X” particles in quark-gluon plasma
The findings could redefine the kinds of particles that were abundant in the early universe.
TESS Science Office at MIT hits milestone of 5,000 exoplanet candidates
Catalog of planet candidates nearly doubles in size during 2020-21.
Physicists detect a hybrid particle held together by uniquely intense “glue”
The discovery could offer a route to smaller, faster electronic devices.
Physicists watch as ultracold atoms form a crystal of quantum tornadoes
The new observations record a key crossover from classical to quantum behavior.
Kerstin Perez is searching the cosmos for signs of dark matter
“There need to be more building blocks than the ones we know about,” says the particle physicist.
MIT engineers produce the world’s longest flexible fiber battery
The rechargeable battery can be woven and washed, and could provide power for fiber-based electronic devices and sensors.
Sensor based on quantum physics could detect SARS-CoV-2 virus
Mathematical simulations show the new approach may offer faster, cheaper, and more accurate detection, including identifying new variants.
“Newer, nimbler, faster:” Venus probe will search for signs of life in clouds of sulfuric acid
Report led by MIT scientists details a suite of privately-funded missions to hunt for life on Earth's sibling planet.
NASA selects three MIT alumni for astronaut training
Marcos Berríos ’06, Christina Birch PhD ’15, and Christopher Williams PhD ’12 make up a third of the 2021 NASA astronaut candidate class.
Jelena Vučković delivers 2021 Dresselhaus Lecture on inverse-designed photonics
Electrical engineer and Stanford University professor discusses how computer software can support advanced designs and new functionalities.