NIST Communications Technology Laboratory

📍🗺️🚒 This week, the NIST Public Safety Communications Research (PSCR) Division is excited to be a part of the inaugural 2026 Colorado Team Awareness Kit (COTAK) Summit, collaborating with state and local first responders to advance situational awareness technologies. In addition to learning about latest TAK innovations and real-world applications, PSCR's Location-Based Services (LBS) portfolio is researching the integration of 3D maps into TAK that enhances indoor positioning, navigation, and mapping for responders, while the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) portfolio is evaluating UAS integration in TAK for resilient communications for public safety missions. These conversations provide valuable operational insights shaping objective research, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate communications technologies that improve responder safety and effectiveness nationwide. #NIST #PSCR #COTAK #PublicSafety #SituationalAwareness #TAK #UAS #LocationBasedServices

Lead the future of quantum communications at NIST!  The NIST Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL) is hiring a Quantum Communications Program Director with a July 20, 2026, application deadline. This is a rare opportunity to shape a high-impact research portfolio at one of the world's premier measurement science institutions. You'll set the technical vision for the Quantum Communications Division, direct R&D on advanced quantum systems and networking testbeds, and drive technology transfer across government, industry, and academia. 📍 Boulder, CO or Gaithersburg, MD 🗓️ Apply by Monday, July 20, 2026 Full details and application: https://lnkd.in/gnsNtJte Know a visionary leader in quantum? Please share this with them. #NISTInnovation #CTL #QuantumCommunications #Hiring

🚨 GPS fails indoors, but knowing a first responder's exact floor can save lives. NIST PSCR is tackling this challenge with a brand new, state-of-the-art Z-Axis Test Facility. This 4-story, 50-camera environment delivers sub-centimeter tracking accuracy, providing the critical ground-truth data needed to perfect 3D indoor localization technologies. This ISO standard-aligned facility helps developers and public safety organizations validate life-saving tracking tools, ensuring incident commanders always know exactly where their personnel are. 🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gJvW_Y39 #Zaxis #verticalpositioning #PSCR #groundtruthdata #publicsafety #locationbasedservices #indoortracking #indoorlocalization #NIST

Version 1.6 of the NIST 5G Open-Source Testbed Automation Tool has been released. Tool Overview: https://lnkd.in/e8nyKaPy V1.6 Release notes: https://lnkd.in/ezyPCVJK

NIST #PSCR is honored to be back at #iafcTSI2025 this December 9-11 to continue the conversation on UAS innovation for fire service professionals! 🌟Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/gqm6csVU If you are attending, we hope to you will join our UAS Research Portfolio's Technical Lead Don Harriss and Researcher Stephanie Layman at the following sessions: Dec. 9th at 3:15p CST: Launching Your UAS Program (Stephanie Layman) Dec. 9th at 4:00p CST: DFR and Autonomous Robotics Transforming Fire Response (Don Harriss) Dec. 11th at 9:20a CST: A Collaborative Workshop on the Future of Autonomy, AI, and UAS Communications (Don Harriss & Stephanie Layman) @firechiefs @Iafc

🚀Space has become an essential component in modern communications, from GPS navigation and weather forecasting to secure communications and disaster response. As satellite constellations grow and new technologies emerge, reliable, precise, and secure space communications are more important than ever. At NIST Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL), the standards, calibration services, and measurement science needed to keep space systems accurate, interoperable, and resilient are being developed. NIST CTL current projects span: • Ultra-precise timing and synchronization for satellite navigation and deep-space missions • Spectrum sharing to ensure satellites and terrestrial systems like 5G and 6G can coexist • Advanced antenna measurements and noise temperature calibrations • High-frequency research for inter-satellite links and planetary communications • Resilient positioning and timing to protect against GPS disruptions These efforts not only support the missions of today but also lay the foundation for future innovations in space technology. Read more about how NIST CTL is strengthening U.S. leadership in space communications: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gjQAhHjF

On September 11, we honor and remember the courage and dedication of first responders. Their service continues to inspire the NIST Public Safety Communications Research (PSCR) Division and underscores the importance of strong, reliable public safety communications. At NIST PSCR, first responders are the purpose behind our mission. Their commitment to protecting communities guides our research and drives every innovation we pursue. We extend our deepest gratitude to all first responders—you are at the heart of what we do. #FirstResponders #PublicSafety

When disaster strikes, every second counts. First responders often operate in dangerous environments where it is hard to know exactly where they are or how they are doing. Incident commanders need real-time visibility into their responders’ location and health status to make informed decisions and ensure safety, without disrupting how the job gets done. To help solve this problem, Ascent Integrated Technologies (Ascent), a NIST PSCR prize challenge winner, developed a rugged smartwatch that enhances situational awareness during emergencies. As participants in the NIST First Responder Smart Tracking (FRST) Challenge, hosted by Indiana University, Ascent focused on developing a user-friendly, and user-aware device that integrates key capabilities: 📍 Real-time, precise location tracking on the X, Y, and Z axes ❤️ Biometric monitoring to detect health risks like cardiac anomalies Currently deployed with U.S. Air Force operational units and the Department of Defense, their device is also being piloted with fire departments to gather additional feedback and further refine the technology for improved public safety operations. If you or your agency is interested in participating in these trials to help Ascent continue to advance this critical technology, contact CEO and co-founder, Paul Couston, at paul@ascentitech.com. #NISTPSCR #PublicSafety #Innovation #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #WearableTech #SituationalAwareness #LocationBasedServices

From semiconductor characterization to quantum-secure voltage standards, NIST Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL) metrology and calibration services deliver traceable, high-precision measurement solutions for the most advanced wireless systems. Our newly released catalog details capabilities in antenna metrology, electromagnetic field strength calibration, and quantum-enhanced radio frequency (RF) sensing—supporting industries from defense to telecommunications and beyond. Whether you are developing sixth generation (6G) devices or verifying quantum voltage standards, CTL provides the measurement confidence you need to innovate with precision. 🔗 Click here to learn more about CTL metrology and calibration services: https://lnkd.in/gwmeCuJA 📄 Explore the full catalog of CTL metrology and calibration services here:

“As metrology evolves, so do the tools we rely on,” said Alain Rufenacht of the NIST Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL) Quantum Voltage Project during his recent presentation at the 2025 National Conference of Standards Laboratories (NCSL) International Metrology in Motion Webinar. Hosted by the NCSLI Intrinsic Standards Committee and chaired by NIST CTL researcher Raegan Johnson, the session brought together over 90 metrologists from across the U.S., Europe, and the Americas, including experts from industry, the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Energy (DOE), and international metrology institutes. Rufenacht shared insights on: ✔️ The evolution of Josephson Voltage Standards (JVS) and their intrinsic nature ✔️ The transition from conventional JVS systems to advanced Programmable JVS (PJVS) for precision measurements ✔️ Recent innovations addressing challenges such as leakage current ✔️ Best practices for the Intrinsic Standards community This discussion reflects the commitment of CTL to advancing quantum-based standards that underpin global measurement science. 🔗 Learn more about the CTL Quantum Voltage Project: https://lnkd.in/gcZquq2v #Quantum #Standards #Innovation