Principal Investigator J Scott Stadler
Project Website http://www.ll.mit.edu/r-d/communication-systems
We develop advanced systems and technology to enable the next generation of communications networks. Work explores how to make satellite communications more resilient, how to make longer and faster laser datalinks to space, and how to improve tactical radios for soldiers.
Communications Systems and Cyber Security will We design, prototype, analyze, and test laser communications systems suitable for a variety of government platforms. The research team develops techniques to mitigate fluctuations in signal power caused by turbulence and to lessen wavefront distortions. We perform atmospheric modeling and simulation, and build accurate acquisition, tracking, and pointing subsystems to support highly directional, low-probability-of-intercept communication links. Major efforts include the demonstration of a low-cost, high-performance airborne laser communications terminal and development of a test capability to ensure interoperability among terminals.