Scientists make first direct detection of gravitational waves
LIGO signal reveals first observation of two massive black holes colliding, proves Einstein right.
Department
Physics
Gravitational waves detected 100 years after Einstein’s prediction
LIGO opens a new window on the universe with the observation of gravitational waves from colliding black holes.
Faculty highlight: Liang Fu
MIT theoretical physicist’s research bridges abstract math and exotic computing materials.
Physicists control electrons at femtosecond timescales
Results may help improve efficiency of solar cells, energy-harvesting devices.
A nanophotonic comeback for incandescent bulbs?
Researchers combine the warm look of traditional light bulbs with 21st-century energy efficiency.
Most distant massive galaxy cluster identified
Formed in the first 4 billion years of the universe, cluster is 1,000 times more massive than the Milky Way.
25 from MIT named to Forbes 30 Under 30 lists in 2016
Students, researchers, and alumni honored in the 2016 Forbes 30 Under 30 lists showcasing America’s most important young entrepreneurs, thinkers, and leaders.
Clearing the way for Floquet-Bloch states
Team demonstrates pure quantum-mechanical mixture of electrons and photons in the solid topological insulator bismuth selenide.
Pappalardo Fellow Or Hen wins Israel Physical Society graduate research prize
First time prize is awarded in experimental nuclear physics.
Study assesses solar photovoltaic technologies
MIT researchers recommend rapidly scaling up current silicon-based systems while continuing to work on other technologies.
A new fusion collaboration for MIT
Members of the MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center celebrate first operations of the world's largest fusion experiment, Wendelstein 7-X.
Riding an electronic wave
Graduate student Fahad Mahmood and colleagues show presence of charge-density waves in superconductive material.
3 Questions: Anna Frebel on searching for the oldest stars
New book details astronomers’ hunt for clues to the early universe.
Exploring valleytronics
MIT graduate student Edbert Jarvis Sie shows promise of new valleytronics by optical tuning of electronic valleys in tungsten disulfide.
Joseff Kolman: An MIT undergrad at the Paris climate talks
A passion for climate policy leads to an opportunity to attend the United Nations climate change conference, where countries look to forge new solutions.