Lincoln Laboratory’s Latest Breakthroughs: From Lunar Laser Links to Quantum Computing

MIT Lincoln Laboratory continues to push the boundaries of technology with a range of recent innovations spanning satellite communications, quantum computing, space exploration, and underwater robotics. Here is a roundup of the most notable developments.

Protected Tactical Satellite Communications in Low-Earth Orbit

A prototype antenna array could provide protected tactical satellite communications in low-Earth orbit. The array is small, lightweight, low-power, and low-cost, making it suitable for defense and commercial applications.

Flexible Cryogenic Cables for Quantum Systems

A new wiring system for dilution refrigerators addresses a key challenge in quantum system development. The flexible cryogenic cables could advance the realization of practical quantum computers by improving scalability and reliability.

Laser Communications on the Artemis II Moon Mission

For the first time, a crewed mission at lunar distance used laser communications to stream high-definition videos and images from the moon to Earth. This achievement lays the groundwork for a high-speed internet network in deep space.

MIT to Establish Regional Quantum Hub

With a $25 million investment from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, MIT will build a new shared-use facility serving as a statewide quantum toolbox. The hub will accelerate quantum research and development across the region.

Human-Machine Teaming Underwater

Researchers are developing hardware and algorithms to improve collaboration between divers and autonomous underwater vehicles. The work aims to enhance maritime missions through better human-robot coordination.

Other Notable Stories

• Tomás Palacios named director of the Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies, focusing on advanced materials for national security.
• A hackathon tackled real-world challenges in Ukraine, uniting students and researchers to prototype solutions under wartime conditions.
• Citizen science gets a boost from computer vision for fish monitoring, using deep learning to track marine life.
• Joseph Paradiso’s sensing innovations bridge arts, medicine, and ecology, demonstrating decades of cross-disciplinary impact.
• Coding for underwater robotics: interns developed algorithms to help divers and robots navigate.
• Researchers uncovered physics behind bubble-removing membranes, improving bioreactors and chemical production.
• Mini microwave sounders, developed at Lincoln Laboratory, are now expanding storm-forecasting capabilities from tiny satellites.
• An efficient cooling method could enable chip-based trapped-ion quantum computers.
• A new tool using transcranial focused ultrasound offers a noninvasive way to study consciousness.

These achievements highlight Lincoln Laboratory’s role as a powerhouse of innovation, delivering practical solutions from the depths of the ocean to the lunar surface and beyond.