Crunching quantum code
MIT physics graduate student Sagar Vijay co-develops error correction method for quantum computing based on special electronic states called Majorana fermions.
Riddle of cement’s structure is finally solved
Findings may guide development of formulas to make the material more durable, less CO2-intensive.
Uncovering the secrets of elastin’s flexibility
Protein that gives blood vessels and skin their stretchability has its molecular properties revealed.
Faculty highlight: Liang Fu
MIT theoretical physicist’s research bridges abstract math and exotic computing materials.
Radiation physics today for materials science tomorrow
In the 2016 Del Favero Doctoral Thesis Prize Lecture, Mingda Li PhD '15 describes how radiation can help us understand and design new materials.
New chip fabrication approach
Depositing different materials within a single chip layer could lead to more efficient computers.
Acoustic tweezers manipulate cells with sound waves
Technique could enable 3-D printing of cellular structures for tissue engineering.
Self-stacking nanogrids
Polymer nanowires that assemble in perpendicular layers could offer route to tinier chip components.
Scientists tune polymer material’s transparency
Material may offer cheaper alternative to smart windows.
Physicists control electrons at femtosecond timescales
Results may help improve efficiency of solar cells, energy-harvesting devices.
Going off grid: Tata researchers tackle rural electrification
At MIT’s Tata Center for Technology and Design, researchers are exploring ways to extend electricity access to rural communities in India using microgrids.
Switchable material could enable new memory chips
Small voltage can flip thin film between two crystal states — one metallic, one semiconducting.
Concentrating dawn-to-dusk solar energy
MOSAIC award spurs MIT research into concentrator solar cells that can run in shade and full sun with power control and wavelength separation.
A new way to store solar heat
Material could harvest sunlight by day, release heat on demand hours or days later.