Research Highlights

Through more than 20 years of cutting-edge research, the ISN has generated a wealth of R&D achievements. Here is a just small sample of advances that may lead to real-world S&T breakthroughs benefitting the US warfighter and possibly the civilian world and marketplace, as well.

Controlling the blinking of quantum dots

Advance may lead to the more widespread adoption of quantum dots.
A syringe adorned with a red ribbon, symbolizing a new nanoparticle adjuvant enhancing vaccine efficacy in mice studies.

Nanoparticle-based vaccine adjuvants

A new nanoparticle-based adjuvant that could increase the effectiveness of vaccines.
A computer screen displaying a blue background, illustrating a system for predicting photovoltaic solar cell efficiency.

Speeding the development of new solar cells

A new system may help speed the development of new solar cell designs.
A black tube wrapped in a black wire with the MIT logo on top and a propeller at one end.

Washable, weavable, rechargeable thermally drawn fiber battery

ISN-affiliated MIT researchers produce the longest flexible fiber battery.
A circle with dots on a blue background next to cartons representing a building, a car, and a cell phone

Breakthrough in 2-D polymerization yields ultra-strong, lightweight material

ISN-affiliated MIT and DEVCOM ARL researchers have developed a novel polymerization process that yields a material as strong as steel and as light as plastic that self-assembles in two dimensional sheets. 
Two differently colored squares, demonstrating improved scintillator efficiency via surface modifications as researched at MIT.

Nanoscale modifications yield a 10x enhancement in scintillator efficiency

A team featuring ISN-affiliated MIT faculty and researchers has produced a remarkable advancement in scintillation by modifying the scintillator's surface.
A cartoon of a bleeding blood vessel

New study on the size-dependent efficacy of hemostatic nanoparticles

ISN-affiliated MIT researchers and physicians from Massachusetts General Hospital has completed the first systematic study of particle size on the efficacy of hemostatic nanoparticles
Three discs on a blue background

Stabilizing electrode/electrolyte interfaces in solid-state batteries

ISN-affilated researchers develop new method for stabilizing electrode/electrolyte interfaces in solid-state batteries.
An acoustic fiber snakes across a blue and red fabric panel

Acoustic fabrics

A new acoustic fabric can act as an extremely sensitive microphone or a speaker.
A gif made from a VR imaging movie showing a running cat. The near-eye display has a refresh rate of 60 Hz.

Metasurface lens design for next-generation AR and VR systems

A new approach to the design of metasurface lenses that may be advantageous to the development of advanced augmented reality and virtual reality systems.
An experimental setup on a laser table

Quantum sensors for electromagnetic signals of any frequency

A new process allows quantum sensors to detect electromagnetic signals of any frequency.