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: Aerospace
System Trains Drones to Fly Around Obstacles at High Speeds
Briefs: Imaging
“Smart” Shirt Monitors the Heart
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
DC Drives as Replacements for AC Servos
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Top Stories

Blog: Materials

Biocompatible Adhesive Gel Works Underwater

INSIDER: Motion Control

Autonomous Robot Opens Doors, Finds Wall Outlets

INSIDER: Research Lab

Researchers Determine Optimum Pressure to Improve the Performance of...

Blog: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Can Material Choices Impact Gear Noise in a Vehicle?

Blog: Materials

With Help from Heat, A Carbon-Fiber Composite Self-Heals

Application Briefs: Imaging

Designing Advanced IR Optical Assemblies for UAVs

Latest Tech Briefs

Briefs: Energy
Deployable Composite Boom
Applications include space structures, emergency shelters, backpack solar collectors, and inspection of hazardous environments.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Soft Robots Use Camera and Shadows to Sense Human Touch
An off-the-shelf USB camera captures the shadows made by hand gestures on the robot’s skin.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Laser Jolts Microscopic Electronic Robots into Motion
Incorporating semiconductor components, microscopic robots are made to walk with standard electronic signals.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Nanosheets of Borophane are Stronger Than Steel
The 2D materials boost device performance for electronic devices, solar cells, batteries, and medical equipment.
Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
Robot Locates and Retrieves Buried Items
This robotic arm fuses data from a camera and antenna to locate and retrieve items buried under piles and completely out of view.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Color-Changing Dyes Visualize Stress in Plastics
Directly visualizing external stresses of plastics is useful in development of materials with improved mechanical properties.
Briefs: Lighting
Stable Polymeric Ink with High Conductivity
This paves the way for innovative and more energy-efficient printed electronics.
Briefs: Materials
Concrete-Like Material from Space Dust and Astronaut Blood
The material could be used to create housing in outer space.
Briefs: Imaging
New “Metalens” Shifts Focus Without Tilting or Moving
The design may enable miniature zoom lenses for drones, cellphones, or night-vision goggles.
Briefs: Energy
Nanoscale Machines Convert Light into Work
The optically powered machines self-assemble and could be used for nanoscale manipulation of tiny cargo.
Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
Unique Amplifier Could Change Optical Communication
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed an optical amplifier that they expect will revolutionize both space and fiber communication.
Briefs: Energy
Let’s Get Small: New Argonne Method Greatly Improves X-Ray Nanotomography Resolution
Scientists are working to improve the image resolution of X-ray techniques.
Briefs: Test & Measurement
Making Measurements with a Fine-Toothed Comb
The comb detects even the smallest amounts of greenhouse gases in the air or look for disease in human breath.
Briefs: Aerospace
Ruggedized Infrared Camera
The camera was designed for use in space and other extreme environments.
Briefs: Test & Measurement
Photo-Induced Emission Analysis to Identify Surface Contaminants
The instrument identifies, quantifies, and characterizes contamination, even on irregularly shaped surfaces.
Briefs: Materials
Sonolithography Uses Ultrasound for Non-Contact Patterning on Surfaces
The new printing method coaxes particles and droplets into precise patterns using the power of sound.
Briefs: Materials
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: Automotive
Long-Life Lithium-Metal Battery
The technology could be key to lighter, less expensive, and long-lasting batteries for future electric vehicles.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
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: Sensors/Data Acquisition
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: Semiconductors & ICs
Material Increases Efficiency of LED Devices
The approach achieves near 100% light emission efficiency at all brightness levels.
Briefs: Aerospace
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: Aerospace
High-Resolution, Continuous Field-of-View, Non-Rotating Imaging System
Applications include planetary exploration and imaging systems used in surveillance, navigation, and target recognition.
Question of the Week
Will Automotive and Aerospace Industries Adopt Self-Healing Composites?

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Briefs: Aerospace

Self-Healing, Recyclable, Shape Memory Polymers

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