Magazine

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

Cascaded Offset Optical Modulator

This subsystem is used in free-space optical communications and fiber-optic communications.

Briefs: Imaging

System Allows Untethered, High-Quality, Multi-Player Virtual Reality

The system allows multiple users to interact with the same VR app on smartphones, providing opportunities for education, healthcare, and entertainment.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Method Tests Microscopic Aeronautical Materials

This process breaks the temperature barrier in small-scale materials testing.

Articles: Medical

20 Years of Science on the International Space Station

We explore the major scientific breakthroughs achieved during 20 years of human presence on the ISS.

NASA Spinoff: Test & Measurement

Zero-Gravity Body Posture Influences Acupressure Massage Chair

NASA’s neutral body position research was used in the design of a medical massage chair.

5 Ws: Test & Measurement

5 Ws of the SARS-CoV-2 RapidPlex Sensor

A low-cost sensor enables at-home diagnosis of a COVID infection.

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

Novel Antenna Concept for CubeSat Platforms

While this technology was designed for CubeSats, it may be utilized in any technology that utilizes a structural frame, such as drones.

Articles: Energy

2020 Create the Future Design Contest: Sustainable Technologies/Future Energy Category Winner — Flash Graphene

A new process can turn bulk quantities of just about any carbon source into valuable graphene flakes.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Earphone Tracks Facial Expressions, Even with a Facemask

The device can translate expressions into emojis or silent speech commands.

Articles: Sensors/Data Acquisition

2020 Create the Future Design Contest: Medical Category Winner — 'A Chip Off the Old Box'

A battery-less pacing system enables painless defibrillation.

Products: Imaging

New on the Market: December 2020

Mixed-signal oscilloscopes, 3D printers, DC/DC converters, and more.

Briefs: Motion Control

16-Atom Molecular Motor

The tiny motor can be powered by both thermal and electrical energy.

Briefs: Data Acquisition

Tethered Drones Improve Cellular and Internet Networks

Wire-connected drones may complement or replace the fixed base stations of cellular communications networks.

Articles: Test & Measurement

Products of Tomorrow

Robotic exoskeletons, a breath-test for cancer, and plastic-eating enzymes are Products of Tomorrow.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

Tactile Robot Finger with No Blind Spots

This robotic finger has a highly precise sense of touch over a complex, multi-curved surface.

Q&A: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Q&A: A New Method for 3D Printing of Tiny Gel Structures

See how Dr. Andrei Kolmakov and his team are using low-energy electron beams to 3D-print tiny gel structures in liquids.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Flexible, Sturdy Robot “Grows” Like a Plant

The robot’s extendable appendage can wind through tight spaces and then lift heavy loads.

Briefs: Communications

Toroidal Radiation Pattern Patch Antenna

The antenna is designed for use in extreme conditions such as outer space.

Briefs: Automotive

High-Performance, Lightweight, Easy-to-Fabricate Heat Exchanger

This can be used in energy-recovery systems in industrial, space, automotive, and military applications.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

Technology Aids Surgeon-Guided Robotic Hands

This method enables users to control their robotic fingers precisely enough to gently land on fragile surfaces.

Articles: AR/AI

Technology Leaders: Industry Renaissance Transforms Invention, Learning, Production, and Trade

Digital technologies are enabling an "Industry Renaissance" of virtual experiences.

Briefs: Aerospace

Fine-Pointing Optical Communication System Using Laser Arrays

This technique for optical data transmission from satellites uses laser arrays to provide fine pointing capability.

Briefs: Aerospace

Aircraft Thermal Heat Conduction Method

The thermal management technology could also be used for server farms and spacecraft.

Articles: Materials

2020 Create the Future Design Contest Grand Prize Winner: RepelWrap — A Nature-inspired Surface Technology for Repelling Contamination

Read all about this year's "Create the Future" winner: A transparent flexible film called "RepelWrap."

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

High-Resolution X-Ray Camera System

The system has applications in X-ray spectroscopy, pump probes, and molecule imaging.

Briefs: Motion Control

Multirotor Aircraft Noise Reduction

NASA's phase-locked rotors reduce noise.

Articles: RF & Microwave Electronics

2020 Create the Future Design Contest: Aerospace & Defense Category Winner — NiobiCon™

The NiobiCon™ underwater connector will not short out, corrode, or cause an electrical shock if touched while powered in harsh environments like saltwater.