Products: Photonics/Optics

New Products: March 2020 Photonics & Imaging Technology

Perovskites

Goodfellow (Coraopolis, PA) recently announced a new range of perovskites, a group of materials that demonstrate great potential for optoelectronic applications....

Briefs: Data Acquisition

NASA Space Data Can Cut Disaster Response Times, Costs

The NASA study is a first step in developing a model to deploy in future disasters.

Technology Leaders: Test & Measurement

3D Scanning Inspection

CT vs. structured light scanning — See which option is best for you.

Technology Leaders: Imaging

Spectral Sensitivity Curves of Cameras

Different line scan prism manufacturers might compare two possible curves in their advertising and argue that the steeper flanks should enable better color reproduction with greater selectivity.

Application Briefs: Software

Challenges for Lidar Software

Anand Gopalan, CEO of Velodyne Lidar, Inc., discusses lidar software for ADAS and autonomous vehicles

Technology Leaders: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Vision-Based System Validates Driver Monitoring

Vision-based convolutional neural network system detects phone usage, eating, and drinking.

Articles: Electronics & Computers

Fiber Lasers for Powertrain Welding Applications

Altering the traditional intensity distribution of fiber lasers improves weld quality.

Articles: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Shortwave Infrared Cameras for High-Temperature Manufacturing and R&D Processes

There are longwave, midwave, and shortwave camera systems—each with its own advantages for specific industries and uses.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Researchers Generate Terahertz Laser with Laughing Gas

In the middle ground between microwaves and visible light lies terahertz radiation, and the promise of “Tray vision.”

Briefs: Imaging

Researchers Create Nanoscale Sensors to Better See How High Pressure Affects Materials

Researchers have developed new nanoscale technology to image and measure more of the stresses and strains on materials under high pressures.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Stretchable Wireless Sensor Could Monitor Healing of Cerebral Aneurysms

A wireless sensor small enough to be implanted in the blood vessels of the human brain could help clinicians evaluate the healing of aneurysms.

Articles: Sensors/Data Acquisition

For Power-Efficient Wireless Sensing, Start with Analog Processing

Increase battery life and reduce data loads with an analog-first processing architecture.

Application Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

IMU Contributions to Navigation and Safety for ADAS and Autonomous Vehicles

An interview with Mike Horton, CTO of ACEINNA, Inc. (Boston, MA).

Articles: Communications

Understanding the Implications of 5G Cellular

To clear up some of the confusion about what the industry means when it says 5G, here’s a guide to what it’s all about.

Application Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Harness Wireless IoT Sensors for Integrated Building Management

Facility managers, real estate owners, as well as commercial and industrial businesses are looking to deploy IoT.

Briefs: Wearables

New Solution to Elderly Falls: Drones, Smartphones and Sensors

Drones, smartphones, and sensors could provide a lifeline to the world’s growing elderly population at risk of falls.

Products: Test & Measurement

New Products: March 2020 Sensor Technology

This month: Sensors that measure weather, proximity, pH, and more.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Oxygen Sensor for Sick Infants

A mobile, wearable device the size of a Band-Aid could allow babies to leave the hospital and be monitored from home.

Application Briefs: Test & Measurement

Multiple Sensors Aid in Development of an Electrical Vertical Takeoff and Landing Aircraft

Beta Technologies is putting their Electrical Vertical Takeoff and Landing aircraft (eVTOL) prototype through the wringer.

Briefs: Medical

Self-Moisturizing, Smart Contact Lenses

The lenses can prevent dry eyes and may be used for drug delivery.

Briefs: Medical

Soft, Conformable Hearing Implants

These electrode implants will allow people with a dysfunctional inner ear to hear again.

Briefs: Defense

Low-Inductance DC Power Bus

The bus is designed for high-frequency, high-temperature operation in electric drive systems and next-generation power electronics.

Articles: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Create the Future Contest Idea Saving Lives

Tech Briefs checks back in with CEO Jon Sumroy about his award-winning product: the mifold grab-and-go car seat.

Articles: Connectivity

What’s Next in Mobility: WCX 2020 SAE World Congress Experience

Your preview of one of the largest technical mobility events of the year.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Layered Composite Insulation

This cost-saving piping insulation has uses in refrigerated containers that protect food, medicine, and other perishables.

Articles: Aerospace

Celebrating Women in Engineering & Science: Dr. Lynda Kennedy, Vice President of Education & Evaluation, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Dr. Kennedy was the first Director of Teaching & Learning, Literacy and Outreach for the New York...

Articles: Aerospace

Celebrating Women in Engineering & Science: Jasmin Moghbeli, NASA Astronaut

Moghbeli has accumulated more than 150 combat missions and 2,000 hours of flight time in more than 25 different aircraft.

Articles: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Celebrating Women in Engineering & Science: Renee Bernstein, CEO, Cotronics Corporation

In the past 15 years, Renee Bernstein doubled the growth of her company by focusing her attention to research and product development.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Flap Device for Airframe Noise Reduction

This trailing edge flap device reduces noise without compromising cruise efficiency or landing lift and stall characteristics.

Briefs: Communications

Wireless System Powers Devices Inside the Body

The technology could enable remote control of drug delivery, sensing, and other medical applications.

Briefs: Aerospace

Insect-Inspired Arms Improve Drones

The new arm design enables unmanned aerial vehicles to fly in windy conditions.

Articles: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Celebrating Women in Engineering & Science: Dr. Beth Holloway, Director, Women in Engineering Program, Purdue University

Dr. Beth Holloway has been the Director of the Women in Engineering Program at Purdue University since 2001 and serves...

Briefs: Automotive

Conductive Polymer/Carbon Nanotube Structural Materials

These materials can be used in aerospace vehicles, automobiles, clothing, helmets, and chemical sensors.

Briefs: Aerospace

Green Jet Fuel Additive Made from Acetone Plus Light

The additive creates fuel from biomass while improving engine performance.

Articles: Aerospace

Celebrating Women in Engineering & Science: Dr. France A. Córdova, Director, National Science Foundation

Dr. France A. Córdova is an internationally recognized astrophysicist and the 14th director of the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Q&A: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Q&A: Solid Silk - A Biocompatible, Sustainable, Degradable Building Block

David Kaplan is solidifying silk to make products like rods and plates for medical implants.

Briefs: Aerospace

Remote, Noninvasive Cardiac Activity Tracer (RENCAT)

This vibrometer has uses in analyzing spasms in humans, as a breath analyzer for diagnosis of cancer and other diseases, and as a preventative healthcare sensor.

Application Briefs: Defense

Optimizing a CubeSat with Architected Materials

nTopology
New York, NY

In today’s strategic information environment, the ability to rapidly respond to ever-changing technology needs is an essential asset for any organization that...

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

3D Inductor Technology Expands Microchip Capability

Using 3D components on a standardized 2D microchip manufacturing platform uses up to 100 times less chip space.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Thin Films of Barium Zirconium Sulfide Offer Exceptional Electronic Properties

These thin films hold great promise for solar cells and LEDs.

Briefs: Energy

High-Performance, Piezoelectric, Hybrid Synthetic Jet Actuators

These actuators provide active flow control for airfoil surfaces and supersonic inlets of wing-borne vehicles.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

Trunk Support Assists Those with Spinal Cord Injury

The device retrains patients with spinal cord injury to sit more stably and gain an expanded active sitting workspace.

Briefs: Motion Control

Spring Drive Fitting

Applications include valves, tubes, and other gas and fluid system components.

Products: Test & Measurement

New on the Market: March 2020

Thermal cameras, testing software, an ion air knife, and more.

Articles: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Celebrating Women in Engineering & Science: Mary Hardgrove, Assembly Supervisor

Mary Hardgrove spearheads an entire assembly department that provides next-generation mechanical cable innovations

Articles: Imaging

Products of Tomorrow: March 2020

Biodegradable batteries, solid-state ultracapacitors, and infrared camouflage.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Improved Model Predicts Heat Loss in Gallium Nitride Semiconductors

This new understanding can help chip manufacturers find ways to better diffuse the heat that leads to device damage and decreased device lifespans.

Briefs: Materials

Copper Strengthens 3D-Printed Titanium

Titanium-copper alloys for 3D printing could create high-performance alloys for medical device and aerospace applications.

Briefs: Nanotechnology

Bio-Inspired Mechanics to Make Robots More Effective

This technology could impact new directions in robotics design.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Slippery Surfaces Allow Sticky Pastes and Gels to Slide

An engineered surface treatment can reduce waste and improve efficiency in many processes.

Facility Focus: Nanotechnology

Facility Focus: Army Test and Evaluation Command

The Army Test and Evaluation Command provides essential information to acquisition decision-makers and commanders.

Briefs: Aerospace

Electrically Non-Conductive Ladder Fall Protection

This system protects workers on lightning and telecommunications towers, and on oil and gas platforms.

Briefs: Aerospace

Sensor Uses Microwaves to Determine Real-Time Ice Accumulation

The sensor makes it easier to detect and manage ice accumulation on aircraft wings.

Articles: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Celebrating Women in Engineering & Science

We spoke with five women who lead their fields in engineering and science

Articles: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Celebrating Women in Engineering & Science: Dr. Christine Valle, Director, Women in Engineering Program, Georgia Institute of Technology

Dr. Valle, an academic professional in the G.W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, received her...

5 Ws: Data Acquisition

5 Ws of PAWS Smart Headphones

Learn about the Pedestrian Audio Wearable System (PAWS), a low-cost, headset-based, wearable platform.

Briefs: Materials

Self-Cleaning, Non-Stick Coating

The coating can prevent the transfer of antibiotic-resistant superbugs and other bacteria in settings ranging from hospitals to kitchens.

Briefs: Motion Control

Multi-Objective Flight Control Optimization Framework

This framework can be used by commercial and military aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Products: Materials

Product of the Month: March 2020 Tech Briefs

Midwest Engineered Systems, Waukesha, WI, offers the ADDere metal 3D printing system that consists of a 6-axis industrial robot combined with a 2-axis coordinated motion workpiece...

Blog: Robotics, Automation & Control

The Next Mars Rover Name? 'Perseverance'

The new Mars Rover Name is Perseverance, thanks to a suggestion from Virginia 7th grader Alex Mather.

Blog: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Readers Select 2019 Products of the Year

The votes are in. Our readers selected top products in data acquisition, software, and ultrasonic sensing.

Blog: Photonics/Optics

NASA 2024 Moon Mission Calls for CubeSats

NASA’s big return to the Moon by 2024 will call for the support of small technologies – specifically, the miniature spacecraft known as CubeSats.

INSIDER: Power

New Electrode Design May Lead to More Powerful Batteries

New research by engineers at MIT and elsewhere could lead to batteries that can pack more power per pound and last longer, based on the long-sought goal of using pure lithium metal...

INSIDER: Power

Fast-Charging Supercapacitor is an Energy Storage Breakthrough

A new bendable supercapacitor made from graphene, which charges quickly and safely stores a record-high level of energy for use over a long period, has been developed and...

INSIDER: Electronics & Computers

Researchers Develop A Roadmap to Use Perovskites for New Solar Cells

Materials called perovskites show strong potential for a new generation of solar cells, but they’ve had trouble gaining traction in a market dominated by...

INSIDER: Electronics & Computers

Used Nissan LEAF Batteries Given “Second Life”

When electric vehicles end their life, the remaining storage capacity of the lithium battery is expected to be higher than 70%. After this, they can be reused for less demanding...

Blog: Aerospace

NASA Langley Launches $20,000 UAV 'Safeguard' Competition

NASA wants small businesses to help the safe operation of UAVs in airspace.

INSIDER: Test & Measurement

Simple Retrofit Transforms Electron Microscopes into High-Speed Atom-Scale Cameras

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and their collaborators have developed a way to retrofit the transmission...

INSIDER Product: Photonics/Optics

New Products: March 2020 Photonics & Imaging Insider

Final Vision Inspection (FVI) System

CyberOptics® Corporation (Minneapolis, MN) has launched the Multi-Reflection Suppression™ (MRS™)-enabled 3D MX3000 Final Vision Inspection...

INSIDER: Imaging

Using Light to Put a Twist on Electrons

Some molecules, including most of the ones in living organisms, have shapes that can exist in two different mirror-image versions. The right- and left-handed versions can sometimes have different...

INSIDER: Photonics/Optics

New Technology for Pathogen Detection is Driven by Lasers

Researchers at Purdue University have been working to develop new technologies to help stop the spread of foodborne illnesses, which kill 3,000 people a year, by detecting them...

Blog: Robotics, Automation & Control

Collaborative Robots vs. Traditional Robots: What's Right for Your Manufacturing Applications

Massive manufacturing bots have evolved into something new — collaborative robots.

Blog: Transportation

Answering Your Questions: What Will Drive Growth of Class 8 Electric Trucks?

A reader asks, "What market drivers need to occur for electric vehicles to be considered an acceptable replacement for vehicles with internal combustion engines?"

Blog: Manufacturing & Prototyping

How 3D Printing is Helping the Response to Coronavirus

3D printing is being used to quickly create life-saving parts and prototypes like masks, shields, and ventilator valves.

Blog: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Answering Your Questions: How Do A.I. Engineers Address Data Security Concerns with Self-Driving Cars?

As autonomous cars collect data on passing pedestrians, cyclists, and license plates, what privacy measures are in place? A reader asks.

Blog: Manufacturing & Prototyping

How One Engineer is Supporting the Coronavirus Response with a Hands-Free Door Opener

See how Prof. Olaf Diegel built a hands-free door opener.

INSIDER: Robotics, Automation & Control

Robot Draws Blood and Inserts Catheters

Rutgers University engineers have created a tabletop device that can draw blood or insert catheters to deliver fluids and drugs. The device can accurately pinpoint blood vessels, improving success...

INSIDER: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Small, Precise Gyroscope Navigates Without GPS

A small, inexpensive, and highly accurate gyroscope, developed at the University of Michigan, navigates without GPS. The key to making the gyroscope is a nearly symmetrical mechanical...

Blog: Transportation

Answering Your Questions: Who is Responsible for the Level 5 Autonomous Car (and Its Sensors)?

A reader asks our expert.

Blog: Manufacturing & Prototyping

FIU to 3D-Print 1,000 Face Shields for Baptist Health Workers

Bridget Pelaez spoke to Tech Briefs about the 1,000 face shields being printed for Florida hospitals.