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: Robotics, Automation & Control

Underwater Navigation System Powered by Sound

Briefs: Imaging

Technologies Make 3D Cameras Easier to Use

Briefs: Imaging

Researchers Acquire 3D Images with LED Room Lighting and a Smartphone

Get the latest breakthroughs from NASA & other technology sources.

Latest Tech Briefs

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

High-Brightness Source of Coherent Light Spanning From the UV to THz

A novel technique for a high-brightness coherent and few-cycle duration source spans seven optical octaves.

Briefs: Imaging

INRS Researchers Design the World’s Fastest UV Camera

Imagine being able to snap a picture of extremely fast events on the order of a picosecond.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Optimal Information About the Invisible

Researcher are finding ways to estimate a target location when light gets deflected by a disordered structure.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Autonomous Sensor Technology for Real-Time Feedback About Refrigeration and Heating

The sensor monitors the oil circulation ratio in real time for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Quantum-Limit-Approaching Chemical Sensing Chip

Study shows improvements to chemical sensing chip that aims to quickly and accurately identify drugs and other trace chemicals.

Briefs: Wearables

Painless Paper Patch Test for Glucose Levels Uses Microneedles

A patch of needles connected to a paper sensor diagnoses conditions such as prediabetes.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

New Flexible and Highly Reliable Sensor

Real-time health monitoring and sensing abilities of robots require soft electronics, but a challenge of using such materials lies in their reliability.

Briefs: Aerospace

New Mathematical Tool Can Select the Best Sensors for The Job

A mathematical framework can help engineers make informed decisions about which sensors to use and where they must be positioned in aircraft and other machines.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Implantable Sensor Could Measure Bodily Functions — And Then Safely Biodegrade

Sensors need to be flexible, stretchable, biodegradable, safe, and stable for use in the body.

Briefs: Energy

Material Moves Wind Turbine Blades Toward Recyclability

The material can be recycled, making renewable energy more sustainable while lowering costs in the process.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Prototype Fuel Gauge for Orbit

The technology could continuously monitor fluid flow in pipes on the International Space Station and prevent satellites from colliding.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Obstacle-Avoiding Drone Uses Live Moth Antenna

“Smellicopter” uses a live moth antenna to avoid obstacles and seek out smells.

Briefs: Software

3D-Printed Working Heart Pump with Real Human Cells

The functioning human heart pump provides a model to track and trace what happens at the cell and molecular levels in the pump structure.

Briefs: Nanotechnology

3D-Printed Smart Gel Changes Shape When Exposed to Light

The invention can become color-changing “artificial muscle.”

Briefs: Materials

Modification of Pigments Utilizing Atomic Layer Deposition

The coatings can be deposited on substrates such as glass, polymers, metals, and aerogels.

Briefs: Energy

Stacking and Twisting Graphene Unlocks a Rare Form of Magnetism

The technology could lead to a platform for quantum computation or new types of energy-efficient data storage applications.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Method Checks Electronic Properties of Oxide Materials

This method is an important step towards smaller, more advanced, environmentally friendly electronics.

Briefs: Materials

Glue Activated by Magnetic Field

A potential boon to green manufacturing, the new glue saves on energy, time, and space.

Briefs: Nanotechnology

Lightweight, Hypersonic, Thermal Protection Material

The material is designed for high-temperature applications in aircraft, building insulation, personal protective clothing, industrial, and automotive.