Magazine

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unrelenting market turbulence has shown that the old ways of supply chain planning and manufacturing production are outdated and vulnerable to disruption.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