Tech Briefs - January 2026 - Vol. 50 No. 1

Overview

The January 2026 issue of Tech Briefs (Vol. 50 No. 1) presents a comprehensive special focus on advances in photonics and imaging technologies and their growing impact across diverse high-tech sectors. These cutting-edge innovations are enabling breakthrough capabilities in aerospace, automotive, medical, defense, manufacturing, and communications industries. The issue highlights current developments and explores future potential where photonics and imaging act as critical enablers of transformative applications.

The cover story and feature articles provide an in-depth look at how photonics and advanced imaging accelerate innovation in numerous fields. Topics range from high-performance infrared imaging lenses and fiber optic communications to spacecraft software emulation and advanced thermal imaging applications. Collectively, the content offers valuable insights for engineers, researchers, and industry professionals seeking to leverage these emerging technologies.

Key highlights include:

1. Advances in Fiber Laser Welding for E-Mobility Manufacturing:
   This article discusses how evolving battery designs and electric vehicle (EV) requirements are driving progress in laser welding technologies. Fiber laser welding innovations enable faster, more precise manufacturing of critical EV components, supporting improved performance and reliability.

2. Countering the New Threat from the Sky: Advanced IR Imaging Zoom Lenses for C-UAS Systems:
   Given the growing threat of drones in military, national security, and civilian contexts, this article reviews design criteria for infrared (IR) optical systems tailored for counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS). It explains why mid-wave infrared (MWIR) imaging in the 3-5 μm range is optimal for detecting, recognizing, and identifying drones with high accuracy under varied environmental conditions. A case study of the Ophir SupIR-X 15-300 mm motorized zoom lens illustrates how advanced optics are engineered to maintain resolution, contrast, and rapid focusing needed for long-range aerial threat tracking.

3. Enhancing Signal Integrity and Security in Aerospace: RF-Over-Fiber Optics Hybrid Communications Technology:
   A detailed look at how hybrid RF-over-fiber systems combine the strengths of radio frequency and fiber optics to meet aerospace communication challenges. These technologies deliver low-loss, EMI-immune, ruggedized signal transmission suited for harsh environmental conditions in aircraft, UAVs, and satellite communications. The article underscores the importance of space and weight savings and improved data security offered by converting RF signals into optical form.

4. A Guide to Cost-Effective Thermal Lens Integration for Defense and Autonomous Vehicle Applications:
   Thermal imaging is critical where visible cameras fail, such as darkness, fog, or obscurants. The piece addresses key considerations in integrating thermal lenses for applications spanning defense surveillance and autonomous vehicle navigation. Optimizing cost, optical performance, and environmental durability are focal points.

5. Co-Developing Illumination and Imaging Systems for Medical Fluorescence Endoscopy:
   This article sheds light on the multidisciplinary development of fluorescence endoscopy engines that combine optical imaging and illumination to enhance medical diagnostics. It explores simulation and rapid prototyping strategies to de-risk designs and ensure effective illumination, image quality, embedded systems integration, and user ergonomics.

6. Peering Through Lunar Darkness: Laser Invention to Steer the Next Generation of Moon Landers:
   Describing NASA’s Laser Measurement Unit for Navigational Aid (LUNA), this feature highlights a novel laser-based sensor designed to provide hyper-accurate “laser vision” for lunar landers. The system enables precise navigation in the moon’s darkness, facilitating safer soft landings on future exploration missions.

7. Hard(ware) to the Core: NASA-Developed Open-Source Software Forms Basis of Spacecraft Emulator:
   A detailed look at how NASA’s core Flight System (cFS) open-source software serves as the foundation for a spacecraft hardware emulator developed by Aitech and Embedded Flight Systems Inc. This emulator recreates the computer hardware environment, allowing companies to test space mission software on Earth without physical hardware. The collaboration illustrates how NASA technology is spurring commercial space ventures.

Throughout the issue, accompanying sidebar content and advertisements showcase industry players and products relevant to photonics and optical technologies. For example, Instrument Systems GmbH highlights high-precision light measurement solutions essential for calibration in MicroLEDs, AR/VR displays, laser emitters, and automotive LiDAR. Master Bond spotlights advanced adhesive compounds with chemical resistance and thermal conductivity suitable for cryogenic and aerospace applications.

The editorial notes emphasize the growing importance of simulation, prototyping, and cross-disciplinary collaboration in developing complex optical and imaging systems. With photonics and imaging advancing rapidly, new tools and processes are critical to derisking innovations and accelerating product development cycles.

Overall, this Tech Briefs issue serves as an authoritative resource on the state-of-the-art in photonics and imaging science and engineering. It provides readers with actionable technical knowledge and inspiring examples of how these fields are enabling next-generation aerospace missions, defense capabilities, autonomous vehicles, medical diagnostics, and beyond. The integration of optics, software, and advanced manufacturing is creating unprecedented opportunities to meet the most demanding performance, environmental, and operational challenges facing modern technology sectors.

For further exploration and detailed technical information, readers are directed to visit the respective companies’ websites and NASA’s Spinoff technology portal linked within the articles. This special issue encapsulates both the excitement and practical impact of photonics and imaging as foundational technologies driving innovation across multiple industries.