Mission

MTL is predicated on the notion that nanoscale science and technology can help solve some of the world’s greatest problems in areas of energy, communications, water, health, information, and transportation, among others. In this regard, MTL’s mission is to foster world-class research, education, and innovation at the nanoscale. In all these and other important areas of human concern, researchers in MTL are carrying out fundamental research and engineering in materials, structures, devices, circuits and systems using MIT’s nanofabrication facilities and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) services, in search of fresh and effective solutions to persistent problems.

MTL’s activities encompass integrated circuits, systems, electronic and photonic devices, MEMS, bio-MEMS, molecular devices, nanotechnology, sensors, and actuators, to name a few. The range of materials continues to expand well beyond Si and Ge to include III-V compound semiconductors, nitride semiconductors, graphene and other 2D materials, polymers, glass, organics, and many others.

MTL manages an information technology infrastructure that supports state-of-the-art CAD tools and process design kits for device, circuit, and system design. Together with a set of relationships with major semiconductor manufacturers, MTL makes available to its community some of the most advanced commercial integrated circuit fabrication processes in the world today.

For over 30 years, MTL has managed shared nanofabrication facilities for the benefit of the entire MTL community. Since July 1, 2018, this responsibility is now in the hands of MIT.nano, a new entity at MIT. Yet, MTL’s commitment for supporting a world-class shared nanofabrication infrastructure at MIT is undiminished. MTL continues to operate the clean rooms while residing in Bldg. 39 and will financially support this operation and provide expertise as they transition into Bldg. 12.

MTL could not accomplish its mission without the vision, commitment, and generosity of a number of companies that comprise the Microsystems Industrial Group (MIG). The MIG supports the operation of MITL’s nanofabrication facilities, and it also advises the faculty on research directions, trends, and industrial needs.