Stories

New Method Measures Super-Fast, Free Electron Laser Pulses

New research shows how to measure the super-short bursts of high-frequency light emitted from free electron lasers (FELs). By using the light-induced ionization itself to create...

New Products: May 2021 Photonics & Imaging Insider

Uncooled Thermal Lens

British threat detection specialist Silent Sentinel (Hertfordshire, UK) has expanded its Aeron Ranger suite of cameras to include a brand-new 25-150mm Long...

'Magic' Software Makes Complex DNA Robots, Faster

New software being developed at Ohio State University will allow creation of more complex DNA robots, at much faster speeds.

Artificial Muscles for Robotic Actuators

Northern Arizona University researchers developed high-performance artificial muscle technology based on linear actuators. Because of their helical structure, the actuators generate more power,...

Highly Efficient Grid-Scale Electricity Storage at Fifth of Cost

Wind and solar power are increasingly popular sources for renewable energy. However, they have intermittency issues. A potential solution to this problem involves the...

Silicon Anode Structure Generates New Potential for Li-ion Batteries

New research conducted by the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) has identified a specific building block that improves the anode in...

Wearable Sensor Detects Toxic Gases, With a Hologram

Wearable gas sensors being developed at the Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) display an instantaneous visual holographic alarm.

What Role Will Plastics Play in Battery Electric Vehicles?

Tech Briefs readers ask a series of questions about the future of plastics in battery electric vehicles.

A First Step for Humans on Mars: NASA's Rover Makes Oxygen

The technology demonstration is a first step in showing that humans could someday live (and breathe) on Mars.

A Sustainable Support for 3D Printing: Moving Metal Pins

A new, sustainable take on the 3D printer reduces waste by eliminating the need for printed supports.

A Super-Thin Element Offers 'Positive' Potential for Transparent Electronics

Researchers from RMIT have introduced an ultra-thin material for semiconductors that could lead to transparent electronics.

Sensors Collect Crucial Data on Mars Landings with Arrival of Perseverance

“Tango delta. Touchdown confirmed. Perseverance safely on the surface of Mars, ready to begin seeking the signs of past life.” For more than six years, the...

A Scalable Method for the Large-Area Integration of 2D Materials

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have a huge potential for providing devices with much smaller size and extended functionalities with respect to what can be achieved with...

Record-Breaking Heat Conduction Material Will Save Computer Chips

In collaboration with groups from China and the United States, a research team from TU Wien set out to find the optimal heat conductor. They finally found what they were...

Transistors Built from Ultra-Thin 2D Materials Take a Step Forward

Two-dimensional materials can be used to create smaller, high-performance transistors than the ones traditionally made of silicon, according to Professor Saptarshi Das of...

A New Aluminum Anode Leads to Error-Free Rechargeable Batteries

Researchers from Cornell University have redesigned the battery so that aluminum more easily integrates into a battery's electrodes.

A Photonic 'Sunflower' Offers New Ideas for Light-Driven Systems

Taking inspiration from the insect, Tufts researchers created light-activated composite devices that execute precise, visible movements and form complex three-dimensional shapes, like a "photonic sunflower. "

A Warning System for Self-Driving Cars Learns from Failures

The A.I. system learns from thousands of real-traffic situations, when a self-driving car stopped unexpectedly.

Would You Wear On-Body Sensors?

This month’s Here’s an Idea episode highlighted a number of on-body sensors. Penn State professor Larry Cheng, for example, found a way to 3D-print a sensor directly on the skin (shown in the above...

Readers Select 2020 Products of the Year

This year's winners included industrial-automation software, simulation tech, and digital storage oscilloscopes.

Nanosized Foldable Robots

Army-funded researchers created nanosized robots that could enable locomotion, novel metamaterial design, and high-fidelity sensors. Cornell University researchers created micron-sized shape memory actuators...

Automating the Design of Soft Robots

There are some tasks that traditional rigid robots aren’t cut out for. Soft-bodied robots, on the other hand, may be able to interact with people more safely or slip into tight spaces with ease. But...

With A.I., Robotic Exoskeletons Gain Self-Control

Robotics researchers are developing exoskeleton legs capable of thinking and making control decisions on their own using sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

How Much Dynamic Range Do You Need from a Radar Sensor?

Long-range radar is used in air-traffic control. Short-range radar supports automotive applications like collision avoidance. How do you know what range you need for your application?