Advanced Technology

R&D in advanced technology focuses on inventing new materials, devices, and components to enable revolutionary system capabilities. We pursue innovation in a wide set of areas, including imagers, lasers, quantum computing, microsystems, RF technology, and chemical sensors.

Advanced Imager Technology
Advanced Materials and Microsystems
Laser Technology and Applications
Quantum Information and Integrated Nanosystems
RF Technology

Our group has pioneered imaging technologies that have enabled some of the world's most powerful telescopes and cameras for the defense and scientific communities. These technologies include charge-coupled-device (CCD) imagers for astronomical instruments, single-photon-sensitive imagers for foliage-penetrating ladar systems, and digital-pixel focal plane arrays for wide-area infrared cameras.

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When NASA made history in 2013 with the longest laser communication link ever demonstrated (from a Moon-orbiting satellite to Earth), our group was behind the satellite's laser transmitter and the ground terminals' highly sensitive photon detectors that enabled the link. We have a long history of developing advanced solid-state, fiber, and diode laser technologies for the scientific and defense communities.

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3D drawing of a tunable coupler, which features two + figures plus a number of lines and graduated gauges

In the Media

Clearing the way toward robust quantum computing

Jun 21

MIT News

A white box with wires coming out of it surrounded by a glass shield with three with three smaller glass circular disks on top.

In the Media

Portable technology offers boost for nuclear security, arms control

Jun 11

MIT News

Headshots of 12 people who were awarded Fulbright Fellowships.

In the Media

Twelve from MIT awarded 2021 Fulbright Fellowships

May 24

MIT News

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This image shows micro-chips for Super-DICE atop a penny for size reference.

integrated systems

Superconducting Discrete Integrated Circuit Electronics

A technology that allows system developers to combine modules produced by trusted foundries and commercial manufacturers may deliver yield enhancements and power and performance benefits to mission-critical systems.

This is an image of adiamond seed crystal that glows orange.

quantum systems and science

Diamond Magnetometer

Engineered diamonds show promising capability for use in quantum sensing of magnetic fields.

Three step progression of material in self repair, from cracked, to processing, to fully repaired.

advanced materials

Self-Healing Materials for Vibration Damping

New materials that are chemically inspired by nature could be tailored at the molecular level to dissipate vibrations in microsystems. Materials that can survive repeated external stresses could enable a next generation of enhanced microsystems.

A zoomed-in view of a metal nozzle shooting a stream of orange onto a metal surface, and a nozzle shooting a stream of purple at the orange stream of material.

advanced materials

Microplasma Sputterer

A novel method for manufacturing interconnects could open the door for 3D-printed microelectronic systems.

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We have a world-class fabrication toolset that allows us to innovate and bring ideas to reality without even leaving the building.

Dave Kharas

Senior Integration Engineer

Advanced Technology

Laser Technology and Applications

What I find most exciting about our work is that it shows our sponsors the art of the possible.

Livia Racz

Group Leader

Advanced Technology

Advanced Materials and Microsystems

When an opportunity arose where I could enhance the technical direction and culture of my group and division, I took it. Hence, I am now an assistant group leader.

Melissa Smith

Scientist and Engineer in Nanotechnology

Advanced Technology

Advanced Materials and Microsystems

One of my favorite parts about this job is the idea that I could be the first person implementing a certain technique or working on an invention that no one in the world has seen yet.