In the prototype optical chip shown here, the circles in the top two rows are "ring resonators" that can filter out light of different wavelengths. Photo - Image courtesy of Vladimir Stojanovic
By designing chips that can be built using existing fabrication processes, MIT researchers show that computing with light isn’t so far fetched.
ESD researchers study the complex social/technological questions that “will increasingly determine the future,” says Susan Hockfield.
At MIT, Hockfield's job “is to lower boundaries that still exist
between departments, and schools. By bringing together faculty, ESD
creates enormous energy."
In this keynote talk, MIT President Emeritus Charles Vest wants to capture the passion of the next generation through some “soul stirring.” Through a campaign involving government, industry and
media, Vest hopes to convince young people that engineers are vital to
meeting the “Engineering Grand Challenges” of global warming and
sustainable energy, improving medicine and healthcare delivery,
reducing vulnerability to human and natural threats, and expanding and
enhancing human capability and joy (a somewhat unusual category for
engineers, Vest admits).
