Micronotes

HOME

Welcome to the Microsystems Technology Laboratories (MTL) at MIT. MTL is an interdepartmental laboratory that supports Microsystems research encompassing work in circuits and systems, MEMS, electronic and photonic devices, and molecular and nanotechnology. Our research is enabled by a set of shared experimental facilities, as well as a vibrant industrial consortium. Annually, MTL supports the research of 350 students and staff who are sponsored by contracted research of more than $40M.

mtl SPOTLIGHTS

Research News:

MIT Opens New 'Window' on Solar Energy

Baldo, GoffriImagine windows that not only provide a clear view and illuminate rooms, but also use sunlight to efficiently help power the building they are part of. MIT engineers report a new approach to harnessing the sun's energy that could allow just that. The work involves the creation of a novel "solar concentrator." "Light is collected over a large area [like a window] and gathered, or concentrated, at the edges," explains Prof. Marc A. Baldo.

Read More Here...

Administration News:

Schmidt to Succeed Gibson as Associate Provost

Prof. SchmidtProfessor Martin Schmidt of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science has been appointed Associate Provost, Provost L. Rafael Reif announced this week. Schmidt will succeed Lorna Gibson, the Matoula S. Salapatas Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, who will return to her research in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and will be taking a sabbatical next year.

Read More Here...

Research News:

MIT Develops a 'Paper Towel' for Oil Spills

Towel made from nanowires A mat of nanowires with the touch and feel of paper could be an important new tool in the cleanup of oil and other organic pollutants, MIT researchers and colleagues report in the May 30 online issue of Nature Nanotechnology.

The scientists say they have created a membrane that can absorb up to 20 times its weight in oil, and can be recycled many times for future use. The oil itself can also be recovered. Some 200,000 tons of oil have already been spilled at sea since the start of the decade.

Read More Here...