Using Laser Transceivers for LEO Satellite Links

Organizations in both the public and private sectors are currently racing to launch large numbers of satellites into low-Earth orbit (LEO).

Achieving 100 Gb/s Using O-band Technology

To ensure networks are prepared for the next wave of transmission, operators need to build wave multiplexing systems that will allow connections to migrate to 100 Gb/s.

How a UV-Visible-NIR Range Microscope-Spectrometer Works

Discussing the basic design concepts of a UV-visible-NIR range microscope-spectrometer in several different configurations.

Compact MEMS-Based NIR Spectroscopy for Mobile Applications

This measurement technique is particularly useful for, but not limited to, samples containing organic compounds.

Overcoming the Optical Resolution Limit

When measuring with light, the lateral extent of the structures that can be resolved by an optical imaging system is fundamentally diffraction limited.

A Laser That Could Reshape the Landscape of Integrated Photonics

This technology will pave the way for new applications of integrated semiconductor lasers in LiDAR.

Deformation Fingerprints Will Help Researchers Identify, Design Better Metallic Materials

Researchers report that automated high-resolution electron imaging can capture the nanoscale deformation events that lead to metal failure and breakage.

Light-Analyzing ‘Lab on A Chip’ Opens Door to Widespread Use of Portable Spectrometers

The device is 100 percent electrically controllable regarding the colors of light it absorbs, which gives it massive potential for widespread usability.

SPIE Photonics West 2023 Preview

The conference will showcase the latest innovations in lasers, photonics, optics, optoelectronics, biophotonics, biomedical optics, 3D printing, and more.

New Products

See the new products for January 2023, including a chip-on-tip video borescope camera, a line scan imaging system, and more.

James Webb Space Telescope Enters New Era of Universal Infrared Imaging in Cycle 1

It began full scientific operations July 11, following six months of instrumentation cool-down, calibration, and other commissioning activities.

Thermal Modeling of Small Satellites

Over the last few years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of satellites in orbit. A significant portion of this increase is thanks to the smaller size of newer satellites.

How Virtual Twins Help Optimize Supply Chains

Unprecedented and unrelenting market turbulence has shown that the old ways of supply chain planning and manufacturing production are outdated and vulnerable to disruption.

Modular and Reconfigurable Robots for Assembly of Structures

In-space and planetary surface assembly for human exploration is a challenging domain that encompasses various technological thrusts to support human missions.

AI-Powered Machines for Hazardous Environments

The robots will be challenged to carry out work too dangerous for humans.

Smart Micro-Robots Learn to Swim with AI

Researchers have been able to successfully teach micro-robots how to swim via deep reinforcement learning, marking a substantial leap in the progression of micro-swimming capability.

Reverse Vortex Ring

This mechanism improves rotordynamic stability in turbomachinery.

Computational Model Enables Robots to Learn New Concepts

The model allows robots to ask clarifying questions to soldiers.

Inductive Non-Contact Position Sensor

Potential uses include MEMS accelerometers, vibration monitoring, and other precision motion control applications.

Miniaturized Electrospray System

The technology was developed as an alternative to existing options for in-space aeroponic food production applications.

Laser-Light-Based Accelerometer

The tiny device accurately measures acceleration in smaller navigation systems and other devices.

DIY Kits Enable Users to Build Their Own Peristaltic Pumps for Microfluidics

Users can download the design files to 3D print and assemble a customizable peristaltic pump.

Handheld Metal Tube Straightener

The tool straightens thin, malleable 4-mm metal tubes like those used for fuel, pneumatic, or hydraulic pressurized lines.

Lightweight Crane Technology for the Moon

A prototype version could be demonstrated on a large cargo lunar lander.

Multi-Layer Nuclear Thermionic Avalanche Cell

The invention consists of several NTAC layers arranged in a radially concentric series separated by a vacuum gap space.

Electrolyte Additive Improves Battery Performance

The work could lead to improvements in the energy density of lithium batteries that power electric vehicles.

Printed Thermoelectric Generators for Power Generation

Scientists have now developed three-dimensional component architectures based on novel, printable thermoelectric materials.

Technique Merges Solar Cell and Liquid Battery

A highly efficient and long-lasting solar flow battery generates, stores, and redelivers renewable electricity from the Sun in one device.

Organic Redox Flow Battery

Redox flow batteries are stationary batteries in which the energy is located in the electrolyte, outside of the cell itself, as in a fuel cell.

Self-Cleaning Germicidal Door Handle

To overcome the limitations of using cleaning agents, sprays, or bulky high-cost sterilizing systems, NASA developed the Ultraviolet Germicidal Door Handle.

Low-Cost, Customized Prosthesis Using 3D Printing

A novel 3D printed prosthetic arm is more comfortable, flexible, and cheaper than a conventional prosthesis.

Wearable Device Monitors Jaundice-Causing Bilirubin and Vitals in Newborns

Device detects pulse rate and blood oxygen saturation in real time.

Respirator 2.0: New N95-Alternative Introduces Sensors for a Better Fit

The respirator earned a 100 percent success rate for fit testing.

Oculometric Testing for Detecting Mild Neural Impairment

This set of oculomotor metrics provide valid and reliable measures of dynamic visual performance.

Engineers Build Reconfigurable Artificial Intelligence Chip

The researchers plan to apply the design to edge computing devices.

Faster Computation for Deep-Learning Applications

A new area of artificial intelligence called analog deep learning promises faster computation with a fraction of the energy usage.

Incorporating Computer Vision and Uncertainty into AI for Robotic Prosthetics

The software can be integrated with existing hardware to aid people using robotic prosthetics or exoskeletons.

Enhancing Fault Isolation and Detection for Electric Powertrains of UAVs

NASA’s System-Wide Safety (SWS) project is developing innovative data solutions to assure safe, rapid, and repeatable access to a transformed National Airspace System.

New on the Market

See what's new on the market, including a pressure transmitter, a new pressure instrument, new confocal controller, and more.

Products of Tomorrow

The products of tomorrow.

Product of the Month

The new Indicators feature true absolute sensor technology that minimizes the chance of data loss.

5 Ws of a Self-Healing Robot

A team of researchers at Cornell Engineering has developed a soft robot that can detect when and where it was damaged — and then heal itself on the spot.

How Much Do You Know About GPS and its History?

The chances are very high that you're familiar with GPS. However, do you know how it came to be? Its trials and tribulations? Take this quiz to find out.

A New Standard in Imagery

After 50 years of NASA’s Landsat, discovery of new commercial and scientific uses is only accelerating.

Inflatable Space Habitats Use Sensors Embedded in Webbing for Structural Health Monitoring

A novel approach is moving away from conventional structural health monitoring testing methods for inflatable space habitats in favor of using sensors embedded in the flexible structural restraint webbing layers.

Sharp-Shooting Farm Robot

SprayBox can target individual weeds and crops at a 20-per-second rate and then spray them at a millimeter’s accuracy.

A Drone to Protect Bats from Wind Turbines

A study has perhaps solved the wind-turbine issue of causing harm to bats.

Test Your Knowledge About the James Webb Space Telescope

On July 12, 2022, the James Webb Space Telescope began its official science operations. Test your knowledge about Webb with this quiz.

Can Your Phone Tell if a Bridge Is in Good Shape?

A new study suggests mobile data collected while traveling over bridges could help evaluate their integrity.

What Exactly is LiDAR?

There's been a lot of talk about LiDAR recently. If you want to judge the arguments, you should know something about it. Take this LiDAR quiz to see how much you know.

Adding Vibrations to Electronics to Reduce Vibrations

A counterintuitive way to protect atomically thin electronics: adding vibrations to reduce vibration issues.

Predicting the Failure of Crystalline Metallic Materials

Researchers have developed a theory that predicts the limits to which metals can be subjected to cyclic stress before failing.

Strengthening Electron-Triggered Light Emission

The way electrons interact with photons of light is a key part of many modern technologies, from lasers to solar panels to LEDs. But the interaction is inherently a weak one because of a major...

NIF Laser Systems Chief Engineer to Discuss Historic Fusion Ignition Achievement at Photonics West 2023

On Dec. 5, 2022, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's (LLNL) Nuclear Ignition Facility (NIF) made history, demonstrating fusion...

European Defense Fund Project to Produce Strategic Electronics for Next Generation Infrared Sensors

Lynred, a global provider of infrared detectors for the aerospace, defense and commercial markets, recently announced the launch of HEROIC,...

10 VR/AR Technologies from CES 2023

See 10 AR/VR technologies from CES 2023.

A Flapping-Wing Robot Able to Perch

A flapping-wing robot that can land autonomously on a horizontal perch using a claw-like mechanism.

The Space Solar Power Demonstrator Has Launched

On January 3rd, the Caltech Space Solar Power Project (SSPP) launched into orbit a prototype, dubbed the Space Solar Power Demonstrator (SSPD), which will test several key components of an...

Carbon Nanotubes Store Energy

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) scientists have created vertically aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes on metal foils that could be a boon for energy storage and the electronics industry.

Diamond Transistors

Researchers at Arizona State University and Northrop Grumman are working on a new project to create power transistors from diamond. The results could yield efficiencies that significantly shrink the size of electrical...

Longer-Lasting, Recyclable Phone Batteries

Instead of disposing of batteries after three years, we could have recyclable batteries that last three times longer.

6 Pioneering Women in Aerospace/Aeronautics

Women have been contributing to the aerospace and aviation industry for decades. Take this quiz to learn more about six such trailblazing women.