Physical

Our Physical research covers a wide range of systems. Experimental and theoretical work features nanomaterials and devices, biophysical chemistry, atmospheric and environmental chemistry, the use of high resolution rovibronic spectra to characterize transition states, single molecule and single quantum dot spectroscopy, and condensed phase molecular dynamics.

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Related News

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Three MIT Faculty receive Awards from National Institute of Health High-Risk, High-Reward Program

The 2026 NIH Director’s Awards support exceptionally creative scientists pursuing transformative research.

QMIT brings together researchers from across the Institute to accelerate quantum discovery and apply quantum advances to some of society’s most consequential scientific, technological, industrial, and national security challenges.

MIT Quantum Initiative launches postdoctoral fellowship program

The Institute welcomes its first cohort of QMIT Fellows this fall to advance interdisciplinary quantum research.

Department of Chemistry seeks Assistant Professor Candidates

To receive full consideration, completed applications must be received by October 8, 2026.

Outstanding Teachers to be honored with Department of Chemistry awards for Teaching, Graduate Grading, Research, and Leadership

These awards are given annually in recognition of outstanding contributions to teaching by Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Researchers.

At left: A conceptual illustration of a nanostructured scintillator converting X-ray radiation into visible light with high spatial resolution and spectral information. At right: A micrograph of an electrochemical reactor that produced liquid copper through electrometallurgy using a molten sulfide electrolyte. The inset illustrates the chemical complexity of the electrolyte.

MIT selected to lead new NSF materials research center

The Materials Research Science and Engineering Center unites experts to advance medical imaging, sustainable metal production, and electronics.

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MIT and Broad Institute Researchers Break Diffraction Barrier in Super-Resolution Microscopy

A surprising discovery in optical materials allows scientists to visualize the molecular machinery of life with exceptional detail and simplified equipment.

MIT researchers studied the microscopic changes that occur inside LEDs that utilize electrically-excited quantum dots, which are nanoscale particles that emit extremely pure colored light. Their insights could be used to make advanced, more energy-efficient QD-LED displays commercially viable for applications like flat-screen TVs and medical imaging devices.

Discovery could lead to brighter, more energy-efficient digital displays

Researchers found a simple solution for extending the lifespans of LEDs made from glowing microscopic particles called quantum dots.

Susan Solomon, the Lee and Geraldine Professor of Environmental Studies at MIT, has been named the 2026 Tang Prize in Sustainable Development laureate, in recognition of her research and leadership in atmospheric and climate sciences that has helped shaped global policy.

Susan Solomon named 2026 Tang Prize laureate

Solomon’s research has helped lay steps towards recovery of the ozone layer and demonstrated the lasting impacts of carbon emissions on Earth’s climate.