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Our work in exploratory research represents IBM's investment in the process of discovery. Whether a project reaches its initial goal or not, application of these discoveries can yield results in unexpected ways. IBM Research is unique in the industry for the breadth and depth of its exploratory projects.
In the field of mathematics, our researchers strive to understand and extend the limits of current knowledge, continually developing and applying new concepts and algorithms so that our software products can be as efficient and reliable as we can make them. IBM physicists lead innovations in quantum computing and chip technology, while our chemists develop the photoresistors that are essential to the creation of integrated circuits and recording heads. In the multidisciplinary field of materials science, our researchers aim to discover, investigate and exploit a host of physical phenomena to devise useful new materials — or to explain and understand the often confounding and unexpected properties of existing materials. Increasingly, IBM Research has been the industry leader in inventing new materials and incorporating them into its products.
Featured concepts:
Patently impressive
IBM achieves 15 years of patent leadership; partners to take eco-friendly patents public (January 2008)
Atomic computing
Nanotech breakthroughs pave the way for the ultra-small (August 2007)
Innovation versus disease
An overview of how IBM Research and its partners are working to win the fight (August 2005)
Power of proteins
Through the Blue Gene Speaker Series, academics and researchers share a wealth of knowledge. (November 2001)
Meanwhile, back at the Corral
IBM researchers are fixin' to harness quantum mirages—images created by focusing electronic waves in tiny corral-like structures. One possible use: transmitting information in nanoscale computers. (January 2000)
When easy math turns hard
The field of computational complexity is defining the boundaries between problems that can be solved in a reasonable amount of time and those that are simply intractable. (January 2000)
A quantum leap for computing
The once fanciful idea of building extremely powerful computers that process information according to the laws of quantum mechanics is inching closer to reality. (December 1998)
Beyond the brink: A new view of extinction
If they can get past the verge of collapse, ecosystems could be home free, according to a pair of researchers. (December 1998)
Fit to print
In four short months, two research mathematicians used their expertise in chaos theory to help develop an algorithm that adds significant value to IBM printers. (December 1997)
Rhythm and blue
A Research effort to develop ways computers can be used to create music is producing a broader understanding of computer science, cognition, and other subjects far from the musical sphere. (April 1997)
On the trail of the glueball
The largest single numerical calculation in the history of computing may finally prove the existence of the glueball. (January 1996)
Moving molecules at room temperature
An STM moves molecules on a surface - a key step on the road to creating new atomic and molecular structures. (January 1996)
Exploring materials in a simulated world
Scientists can investigate the complex behavior of simple materials using simulations on the world's most powerful computers. (January 1996)
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