Communications Systems Development at APL: Guest Editor's Introduction

Many programs at APL involve communications systems development. These efforts are under way in ultralow-power transmitters, terahertz frequency sources, next-generation Doppler positioning systems, future space-based optical two-way communications systems, miniaturized receivers and transmitters, and low-probability-ofdetection radios. Robert L. Holland, in a previous issue of the Technical Digest, reported on the development of communications and distributed systems at APL.1 A new, more capable generation of communications systems is under development that integrates miniaturized transmitters and receivers, GPS receivers, and secure communications into novel communications networks. Future Laboratory contributions in this field will include the development of software radios, highly secure communication technologies, self-forming networks, and low-probability-of-intercept communications devices.