CTL Spectrum Science Roadmap

Overview

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL) is advancing spectrum science through one of its strategic roadmaps, which will guide research investments over the next five to seven years. The Spectrum Science roadmap will identify critical research and development (R&D) gaps and emerging opportunities in spectrum metrology, spectrum sharing, and spectrum sensing to ensure the United States maintains leadership in wireless communications and electromagnetic spectrum management. By collaborating with government, industry, and academic stakeholders, CTL will align its research goals with national priorities and technological advancements.

Spectrum Science Roadmap Definition

Spectrum science refers to the multidisciplinary study and analysis of the electromagnetic spectrum's properties, utilization, and management. It involves understanding how electromagnetic waves propagate, interact with different environments, and are harnessed for communication, sensing, and other applications. Research in spectrum science addresses both theoretical foundations and practical implementations, aiming to optimize spectrum use, improve wireless technologies, and ensure coexistence among various systems.

CTL conducts research in the spectrum sciences in three focus areas: State of the art measurement techniques to assess the utilization of the radio frequency spectrum, Evaluation of methods that optimize the use of the radio frequency spectrum in the form of spectrum sharing and wireless coexistence, and dynamic systems metrology. The areas combined to bring an integrated understanding of the radio spectrum to deliver trusted data to anticipate and enable the dynamism of tomorrow’s spectrum landscape.

Spectrum Science Roadmap Timeline

Current Activities

CTL focuses on developing innovative measurement methods and tools to enhance spectrum utilization through improved access, sharing, atmospheric sensing, and precision timing. CTL research addresses current and emerging challenges in wireless communications, including higher frequencies, AI-driven systems, and non-terrestrial pathways. Key projects and programs include:

• Adaptive Closed-Box Interference Susceptibility Testing
• CBRS Sharing Ecosystem Assessment
• Fiber Sources and Applications Background Information
• Fiber-optic Frequency Comb Development
• Frequency-comb-based Spectroscopy (Dual-Comb Spectroscopy)
• METIS: A Metrology Exchange to Innovate Semiconductors
• RF Metrology for High-Frequency Transistor Models
• Miniaturized Microwave Absolute Calibration
• Open RAN Interoperability
• Open RAN Research at NIST
• Optical Two-way Time-frequency Transfer
• Thermal Noise Metrology
• Trusted Spectrum Testing
• Wireless Coexistence

These initiatives underscore the commitment of CTL to advancing spectrum science and supporting the efficient use of this limited national resource.

Stakeholder Engagement

During the roadmapping process, CTL engaged external stakeholders in the industry sector through a working group to provide feedback on Spectrum Science gaps to ensure a comprehensive and robust approach to defining CTL goals. Stakeholders with a wide range of expertise including spectrum testing and sharing, satellite navigation, space technology, and spectrum engineering, gathered to identify additional gaps, prioritize gaps according to industry need, and discuss technology trends and innovative opportunities for research.  

Gaps and Themes

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Goals

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Spectrum Science Resources

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