Tech Briefs

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A comprehensive library of technical briefs from engineering experts at NASA and major government, university, and commercial laboratories covering all aspects of innovations in electronics, software, photonics, imaging, motion control, automation, sensors, test, materials, manufacturing, mechanical, and mechatronics.

Briefs: Imaging
Ruggedized Infrared Camera
Briefs: Test & Measurement
Photo-Induced Emission Analysis to Identify Surface Contaminants
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Sonolithography Uses Ultrasound for Non-Contact Patterning on Surfaces
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Latest Tech Briefs

Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs
Manufacturing Technique Yields Flexible Electronics
With this advance, so-called “flextronics” move closer to reality.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Using Silicone Wristbands to Measure Air Quality
The inexpensive, convenient devices can measure exposure to a class of chemicals that can be harmful during pregnancy.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Radio Signals Image Hidden and Speeding Objects
This method could help firefighters find victims inside buildings and could track hypersonic objects such as missiles and space debris.
Briefs: Materials
Long-Life Lithium-Metal Battery
The technology could be key to lighter, less expensive, and long-lasting batteries for future electric vehicles.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Industrial Software Integrates With IT
Modern PLCs now include IT-capable software and communications protocols, empowering users to easily access edge-sourced data and integrate it with the enterprise.
Briefs: Test & Measurement
Graphene-Based Photonics Devices for Remote Sensing
Growing large-area graphene on optical substrates enables use in photonics devices.
Briefs: Green Design & Manufacturing
Glass Injection Molding
The process produces rapid, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly material.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Chemical Detection System for Low Concentration Levels
This technology provides accurate results on concentrations below levels that represent an immediate danger to life and health.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Optical Coating Exhibits the Same Color in Reflection and Transmission
Fano Resonance Optical Coatings (FROCs) can both transmit and reflect the same color simultaneously.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Material Increases Efficiency of LED Devices
The approach achieves near 100% light emission efficiency at all brightness levels.
Briefs: Test & Measurement
New Variables for Iterative Transform Phase Retrieval
This approach provides a more general framework for performing Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) calculations.
Briefs: Test & Measurement
Analytical Model Evaluates Battery Capability
The model helps researchers fine-tune battery performance.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
High-Resolution, Continuous Field-of-View, Non-Rotating Imaging System
Applications include planetary exploration and imaging systems used in surveillance, navigation, and target recognition.
Briefs: Materials
Safer, Less Expensive, Fast-Charging Aqueous Battery
A new anode for aqueous batteries uses seawater as an electrolyte.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Method Integrates Elements of Electronic Filters onto a Single Component
This component takes up ten times less space on computer chips.
Briefs: Software
Air Traffic Simulation Tool
This evaluation tool for low-altitude air traffic operations can be used by the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry.
Briefs: Materials
Insulation Material Enables More Efficient Electricity Distribution
High-voltage direct current cables can more efficiently transport electricity over long distances.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Coating Protects Fragile Quantum Electronics
The protective coating works like body armor for the atomically thin materials.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Device Detects Which Hand Gesture a Person Intends to Make
The device paves the way for better prosthetic control and seamless interaction with electronic devices.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
One-Atom-Thin 2D Magnet
The ultrathin magnet could advance new applications in computing and electronics.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Microbe Turns Waste into Industrial Chemical
The method could be applied to carbon waste streams.
Briefs: Energy
Using Solar Technology to Power Smart Devices Indoors
An already ubiquitous material in outdoor photovoltaic modules could be repurposed for indoor devices with low-capacity batteries.
Briefs: AR/AI
3D Motion Tracking System for Autonomous Technology
The system could one day replace LiDAR and cameras in automated manufacturing, biomedical imaging, and autonomous driving.
Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
System Harvests Energy from Radio Waves to Power Wearable Devices
The electricity can be used to power wireless devices or to charge energy storage devices such as batteries and supercapacitors.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Photonic Integrated Chip for Improved Light Control
This combination of technologies could enable developments for many optical applications.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Coherent Optical Transistor
Applications include telecommunications, optical switching, and quantum computing.
Briefs: Aerospace
Macroflash Cup Cryostat
The compact instrument measures thermal conductivity of materials at below ambient temperatures.
Briefs: AR/AI
Artificial Intelligence Creates Sharp Images from Blurry Photos
This AI turns even the blurriest photo into realistic computer-generated faces in HD.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Ultra-High Performance Flexible Ultraviolet Sensors for Use in Wearables
To enable the development of wearable devices that possess advanced ultraviolet (UV) detection functions, scientists have created a new type of light sensor that is both flexible and highly sensitive.
Question of the Week
Will We Use Solar to Power Our Devices Indoors?

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