Science & Technology | News

MIT Opens Center for Graphene Devices and Systems

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 09/19/11

The Microsystems Technology Laboratories at MIT is introducing a new research concentration. The MTL, which already runs the Center for Integrated Circuits and Systems as well as the Center for Integrated Photonics Systems, formally opened a new Center for Graphene Devices and Systems. All three centers support research into medical electronics, energy, and nanoscale technologies and rely heavily on industry collaboration. The labs are home to MIT's micro and nano fabrication facilities, accessed by campus and non-campus users.

Graphene, which is made up of a single atom-thick lattice-work has properties that researchers find promising: remarkable strength, excellent electrical conductivity, and efficient thermal insulation. The 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to two scientists for their research involving graphene.

The new center is doing experimentation to develop graphene-based materials, devices, and systems that could be used in energy generation, smart fabrics and materials, radio-frequency communications, and sensing, among other uses.

"The unique structure and properties of graphene have the potential to impact numerous industries," said Tomas Palacios, an MIT associate professor of electronics and the center's new director. He said he envisions the center to be "a driving force in exploring the numerous applications for graphene and [creating] a vision for the future of graphene-enabled systems."

The Center will coordinate the work of 15 MIT research groups working on graphene-related initiatives.