Lincoln Laboratory Research Program

The Lincoln Laboratory Research Program (PE 0602234D8Z), managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, is a Department of Defense (DoD) applied research initiative executed through a contract with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Lincoln Laboratory. The goal of this program is to support the DoD's initiative to build sustainable and long-term technological advantage by funding innovative, multidisciplinary research that addresses critical national security challenges. The program is structured to develop new system concepts, technologies, components, and materials that directly support DoD missions. Research priorities are selected in close coordination with the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) and aligned with DoD Communities of Interest (CoIs).

Lincoln Laboratory (Project 534) is the primary line item within this program element, focusing on both established and emerging mission areas. Each year, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, in consultation with OUSD(R&E), selects projects that address technology gaps in critical national security problems, emphasizing projects that can accelerate development and provide significant improvements to DoD capabilities. The research portfolio is organized into core technology areas such as Advanced Devices, Optical Systems and Technology, Information, Computation and Exploitation Sciences, and Radio-Frequency Systems and Technologies. It also includes emerging technology initiatives like Advanced Materials and Processes, Quantum System Sciences, and Autonomous Systems, as well as an Integrated Systems technology area that combines novel component-level technologies to create system-level solutions.

Advanced Devices aims to develop unique microelectronic, photonic, biological, and chemical technologies that enable new DoD system capabilities. Activities include ongoing research in multi-GHz lasers for quantum networks and midwave infrared integrated photonics, with future focus on microelectronics such as radiation-hardened electronics for space-based sensing, high-temperature electronics for hypersonics, and ultra-low power electronics for AI edge computing. Optical Systems and Technologies supports next-generation optical systems for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and communications, with planned investments in directed-energy technology, quantum sensors, and novel optical systems for constrained platforms.

Information, Computation, and Exploitation Sciences is focused on advancing artificial intelligence (AI), data processing, and autonomous systems for DoD mission needs. Research will include distributed tactical edge AI, human-machine teaming, autonomy applications for space-based operations, and improved interceptor planning and execution. Quantum System Sciences will evolve into Quantum Computing and Interconnects, prioritizing quantum error correction, scalable quantum interconnects, and quantum clocks for next-generation positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) in GPS-denied environments.

Integrated Systems brings together multiple new technologies to address cross-domain DoD challenges, such as missile defense, global electro-optic persistent ISR, and undersea surveillance. These projects are designed to demonstrate and transition integrated technology solutions that span space, air, land, sea surface, and undersea domains. Advanced Materials and Processes and Autonomous Systems are being consolidated or eliminated to promote efficiency and align with administration cost-saving initiatives, with their core research efforts being absorbed into other focus areas such as microelectronics and intelligent systems.

Cyber Security, Science and Engineering (Project 815) is a distinct line item dedicated to developing technologies and techniques to protect DoD systems against cyber-attack and exploitation. The program funds high-risk, high-payoff research in cyber situational awareness, resilient system design, cryptographic systems, and AI/ML-based cyber analysis. Objectives include delivering a fieldable unique emitter identification system that leverages neural networks and AI cloud computing to fingerprint electronic devices through their RF signatures, supporting DoD and partner cyber operations.