Exploration of Intelligent Electronic Devices Technology

In the heart of Singapore, at the Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), a groundbreaking collaboration between MIT and the National Research Foundation of Singapore (NRF) named SMART (Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology) is pushing the boundaries of innovation.

Led by Eugene A. Fitzgerald, the Merton C. Flemings-SMA Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at MIT, the SMART Low Energy Electronic Systems (LEES) research program is making significant strides in the realm of energy and environment sustainability, advanced electronics, and urban solutions integrating smart technologies.

One of the key focuses of SMART LEES is the exploration of new monolithic, lattice-mismatched integrated circuits using III-V (3-5) semiconductor materials combined with silicon complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. This integration could potentially revolutionise the electronics industry.

Eugene A. Fitzgerald's work, in particular, could reduce cellphone power consumption significantly by offloading communication and sync processes. The technology could lead to thin displays with their own optical inter-device communications via light pulses, offering a more secure alternative to WiFi.

The monolithic integration of LEDs with silicon electronics could also greatly reduce the cost of smart LED lighting.

SMART's interdisciplinary approach involves bringing together faculty with expertise in different areas to collaborate closely from start to finish. This approach, coupled with SMART's well-funded status and iterative process of discovery, makes it distinct in the field of R&D.

The current projects follow Singapore's goal of creating a "smart nation" with a knowledge-based economy. SMART has developed several interesting new technologies, some in collaboration with other institutes, such as the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and various programs at MIT.

Moreover, all 50 SMART faculty members spend one month a year in Singapore, fostering a vibrant and dynamic research environment.

SMART LEES is also experimenting with a business model that makes it easier for novel integrated circuits to reach market. This could potentially speed up the commercialisation of these groundbreaking technologies.

The Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, now eight years old, is a beacon of innovation, marking the first major MIT facility outside of Massachusetts. Its continued success underscores the potential for international collaborations in driving technological advancement.