Editing MIT Lincoln Laboratory (section)

==History==

===Origins===
At the urging of the [[United States Air Force]], the Lincoln Laboratory was created in 1951 at the [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]] (MIT) as part of an effort to improve the U.S. air defense system.<ref name="y-s">{{cite book |author1-first=Ken |author1-last=Young |author2-first=Warner R. |author2-last=Schilling |title=Super Bomb: Organizational Conflict and the Development of the Hydrogen Bomb |publisher=Cornell University Press |location=Ithaca, New York |year=2019 |isbn=978-1-5017-4516-4 |url=https://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/9781501745164/super-bomb | page=125}}</ref> Primary advocates for the creation of the laboratory were veterans of the World War&nbsp;II-era [[MIT Radiation Laboratory]], including physicist and electrical engineer [[Ivan A.&nbsp;Getting]], physicist [[Louis Ridenour]], and physicist [[George E.&nbsp;Valley&nbsp;Jr.]]<ref name="y-s"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ll.mit.edu/about/History/origins.html |title=MIT Lincoln Laboratory: History: Lincoln Laboratory Origins |access-date=2024-03-31 |archive-date=2017-01-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119093302/http://www.ll.mit.edu/about/History/origins.html |url-status=deviated }}</ref>

The laboratory's inception was prompted by Valley's investigations into the U.S. air defences, culminating in the Air Defense Systems Engineering Committee's 1950 report that concluded the United States was unprepared for the threat of an air attack. Because of MIT's management of the Radiation Laboratory during [[World War&nbsp;II]], the experience of some of its staff on the Air Defense Systems Engineering Committee, and its proven competence in advanced electronics, the Air Force suggested that MIT could provide the research needed to develop an air defense that could detect, identify, and ultimately intercept air threats.<ref>''MIT Lincoln Laboratory: Technology in the National Interest'', ed. Eva C.&nbsp;Freeman, Lexington, Mass.: MIT Lincoln Laboratory, 1995.</ref>

[[James R. Killian]], the president of MIT, was not eager for MIT to become involved in air defense. He asked the [[United States Air Force]] if MIT could first conduct a study to evaluate the need for a new laboratory and to determine its scope. Killian's proposal was approved, and a study named [[Project Charles]] (for the [[Charles River]] that flows past MIT) was carried out between February and August 1951. The final Project Charles report stated that the United States needed an improved air defense system and unequivocally supported the formation of a laboratory at MIT dedicated to air defense problems.

This new undertaking was initially called {{anchor|Project_Lincoln}}Project Lincoln, and the site chosen for the new laboratory was on the Laurence G.&nbsp;Hanscom Field (now [[Hanscom Air Force Base]]), where the Massachusetts towns of [[Bedford, Massachusetts|Bedford]], [[Lexington, Massachusetts|Lexington]] and [[Lincoln, Massachusetts|Lincoln]] meet. A [[Project Bedford]] (on antisubmarine warfare) and a [[Project Lexington]] (on [[nuclear propulsion]] of [[aircraft]]) were already in use, so Major General Putt, who was in charge of drafting the charter for the new laboratory, decided to name the project for the town of Lincoln.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ll.mit.edu/about/History/projectcharles.html |title=MIT Lincoln Laboratory: History: Lincoln Laboratory established |publisher=Ll.mit.edu |date=1941-06-26 |access-date=2014-05-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204075643/http://www.ll.mit.edu/about/History/projectcharles.html |archive-date=2016-12-04 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===SAGE===
The [[Semi-Automatic Ground Environment]] (SAGE) Air Defense System is the beginning of MIT Lincoln Laboratory's history of developing innovative technology.<ref>T. P. Hughes, ''Rescuing Prometheus: Four Monumental Projects That Changed the Modern World'', New York: Pantheon Books, 1998, Chapter&nbsp;2, pp.&nbsp;15–67.</ref> The system was conceived to meet the challenge of providing air defense to the continental United States. SAGE was designed to collect, analyze, and finally relay data from a multitude of [[radar]]s, all quickly enough that defense responses could be initiated, if needed. The key to this system was a [[computer]] that could perform reliably in real time.

MIT's [[Whirlwind I|Whirlwind]] computer, built in the 1940s, looked to be a possible candidate for the system. However, the Whirlwind was not reliable or fast enough for the processing needed for analyzing data coming in from dozens of, perhaps even 100, radars. [[Jay Wright Forrester]], an MIT professor instrumental in the development of the Whirlwind, found the breakthrough to enable the computer to achieve outstanding reliability and doubled speed&nbsp;— the [[magnetic-core memory]]. The magnetic-core memory revolutionized computing. Computers became machines that were not just large and fast calculators; their uses for varying applications grew. Industry followed this development closely, adopting the magnetic-core memory that expanded the capabilities of computers.

The [[TX-0]] computer, in essence, a transistorized version of Whirlwind, was built in 1955 and made operational in 1956. It was smaller and slightly faster than Whirlwind.

Whirlwind II was not completed, but the [[AN/FSQ-7 Combat Direction Central]], based on elements of its design, became the [[command and control]] system for the SAGE air defense network<ref name=IYD>{{cite AV media |title=In Your Defense |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06drBN8nlWg  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/06drBN8nlWg |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|format=digitized movie |publisher=Western Electric |access-date=2012-04-03 |quote=The [[System Development Corporation]]&nbsp;... in the design of massive computer programs … Burroughs…electronic equipment&nbsp;... Western Electric&nbsp;... assist the Air Force in coordinating and managing the entire effort&nbsp;... and design of buildings.&nbsp;... SAGE project office&nbsp;... Air Material Command |time=5:15}}{{cbignore}}. Note: The film identifies "Direction Center" versus "Data Center".</ref><ref name="Dyson1997">{{cite book |author=Dyson, George |date=April 1997 |title=Darwin Among the Machines: The Evolution of Global Intelligence |page=[https://archive.org/details/darwinamongmachi00dyso/page/179 179] |edition=1st |publisher=Basic Books |isbn=0-7382-0030-1 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/darwinamongmachi00dyso/page/179}}</ref> and Lincoln Laboratory Division&nbsp;6 participated in this development.<ref name=LL1955>{{Cite report |author=((Division 6 Staff))<!--"(())" to suppress "numeric names" warning--> |title=Biweekly Report for 27 May 1955 |url=http://dome.mit.edu/bitstream/handle/1721.3/45987/MC665_r14_6M-3674.pdf?sequence=1 |format=Memorandum |publisher=MIT Lincoln Laboratory |number=6M–3674}}</ref>

Lincoln Laboratory quickly established a reputation for pioneering advanced electronics in air defense systems. Many of the technical developments that later evolved into improved systems for the airborne detection and tracking of aircraft and ground vehicles have formed the basis for current research.

===Today===
[[File:LLMIT Corporate Logo.png|thumb|MIT Lincoln Laboratory logo]]

Since MIT Lincoln Laboratory's establishment, the scope of the problems has broadened from the initial emphasis on air defense to include programs in space surveillance, [[missile defense]], surface surveillance and object identification, communications, cyber security, homeland protection, [[high-performance computing]], air traffic control, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). The core competencies of the laboratory are in sensors, information extraction (signal processing and embedded computing), communications, integrated sensing, and decision support, all supported by a strong advanced electronic technology activity.<ref name="ar19">{{cite report |author=MIT Lincoln Laboratory |date=April 2020 |title=2019 Annual Report |url=https://www.ll.mit.edu/sites/default/files/page/doc/2020-04/MIT_Lincoln_Laboratory_2019_Annual_Report.pdf}}</ref>

Lincoln Laboratory conducts research and development pertinent to national security on behalf of the military services, the [[Office of the Secretary of Defense]], and other government agencies. Projects focus on the development and prototyping of new technologies and capabilities. Program activities extend from fundamental investigations, through simulation and analysis, to design and field testing of prototype systems. Emphasis is placed on transitioning technology<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ll.mit.edu/about/TechTransfer/techtransfer.html |title=MIT Lincoln Laboratory: Tech Transfer |publisher=Ll.mit.edu |access-date=2014-05-15}}</ref> to industry.

The work of Lincoln Laboratory revolves around a comprehensive set of mission areas:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ll.mit.edu/mission/index.html |title=MIT Lincoln Laboratory: Mission Areas |publisher=Ll.mit.edu |access-date=2014-05-15}}</ref>
* Space control<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ll.mit.edu/mission/space/spacecontrol.html |title=ll.mit.edu |publisher=ll.mit.edu |access-date=2014-05-15}}</ref>
* Air, missile, and maritime defense technology<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ll.mit.edu/mission/airmissile/airmissiledefense.html |title=MIT Lincoln Laboratory: Air & Missile Defense Technology |publisher=Ll.mit.edu |access-date=2014-05-15}}</ref>
* Communication systems<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ll.mit.edu/mission/communications/communications.html |title=MIT Lincoln Laboratory: Communication Systems |publisher=Ll.mit.edu |access-date=2014-05-15}}</ref>
* Cybersecurity and information sciences<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ll.mit.edu/mission/cybersec/cybersec.html |title=MIT Lincoln Laboratory: Cyber Security and Information Sciences |publisher=Ll.mit.edu |access-date=2014-05-15}}</ref>
* Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems and technology<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ll.mit.edu/mission/isr/ISRsystems.html |title=MIT Lincoln Laboratory: ISR Systems and Technology |publisher=Ll.mit.edu |access-date=2014-05-15}}</ref>
* Advanced technology<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ll.mit.edu/mission/electronics/aet.html |title=MIT Lincoln Laboratory: Advanced Electronics Technology |publisher=Ll.mit.edu |access-date=2014-05-15}}</ref>
* Tactical systems<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ll.mit.edu/mission/tactical/tactical.html |title=MIT Lincoln Laboratory: Tactical Systems |publisher=Ll.mit.edu |access-date=2014-05-15}}</ref>
* Homeland protection<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ll.mit.edu/mission/homeland/homelandprotection.html |title=MIT Lincoln Laboratory: Homeland Protection |publisher=Ll.mit.edu |access-date=2014-05-15}}</ref>
* Air traffic control<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ll.mit.edu/mission/aviation/aviationresearch.html |title=MIT Lincoln Laboratory: Air Traffic Control |publisher=Ll.mit.edu |access-date=2014-05-15}}</ref>
* Engineering<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ll.mit.edu/mission/engineering/engineering.html |title=MIT Lincoln Laboratory: Engineering |publisher=Ll.mit.edu |access-date=2014-05-15}}</ref>
* Biotechnology<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ll.mit.edu/r-d/biotechnology-and-human-systems |title=Biotechnology and Human Systems &#124; MIT Lincoln Laboratory }}</ref>

Lincoln Laboratory also undertakes work for non-DoD agencies such as programs in [[Laser communication in space|space lasercom]] and space science, as well as environmental monitoring for [[NASA]] and the [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]].

The dissemination of information to the government, academia, and industry is a principal focus of Lincoln Laboratory's technical mission. Wide dissemination of technical information is achieved through annual technical workshops,<ref name="Ll.mit.edu">{{cite web|url=http://www.ll.mit.edu/workshops/index.html |title=MIT Lincoln Laboratory: Workshops/Education |publisher=Ll.mit.edu |access-date=2014-05-15}}</ref> seminars, and courses<ref name="Ll.mit.edu"/> hosted at the laboratory. Toward the goal of knowledge sharing, the laboratory publishes the ''Lincoln Laboratory Journal'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ll.mit.edu/publications/journal/journal.html |title=MIT Lincoln Laboratory: Publications: Current Journal |publisher=Ll.mit.edu |access-date=2014-05-15}}</ref> which contains comprehensive articles on current major research and journalistic pieces highlighting novel projects. Other publications<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ll.mit.edu/publications/index.html |title=MIT Lincoln Laboratory: Publications |publisher=Ll.mit.edu |access-date=2014-05-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410014235/http://www.ll.mit.edu/publications/index.html |archive-date=2014-04-10 |url-status=dead }}</ref> include "Tech Notes", brief descriptions of Laboratory capabilities and technical achievements; the "Annual Report", which highlights technical accomplishments and ongoing corporate and community outreach initiatives; and an overview brochure "MIT Lincoln Laboratory: Technology in Support of National Security".<ref>{{cite web |title=MIT Reports to the President, 2007–2008 |location=Cambridge, Massachusetts |publisher=Massachusetts Institute of Technology |year=2008 |url=http://web.mit.edu/annualreports/ }}</ref> Current news about Laboratory technical milestones is featured on the laboratory's website.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ll.mit.edu/news/index.html |title=MIT Lincoln Laboratory: News |publisher=Ll.mit.edu |access-date=2014-05-15}}</ref>

MIT Lincoln Laboratory maintains a strong relationship with the MIT campus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ll.mit.edu/about/mitinteractions.html |title=MIT Lincoln Laboratory: MIT Interactions |publisher=Ll.mit.edu |access-date=2014-05-15}}</ref> Ongoing research collaborations, student internship programs, reciprocal seminar series, and cooperative community and educational outreach projects are just a few of the ways the laboratory and the campus share the talents, facilities, and resources of each other.