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: Motion Control
Robotic Construction System
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
3D Structural-Sensing Robots
Briefs: Motion Control
Lightweight Crane Technology for the Moon
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Top Stories

Articles: Electronics & Computers

Nano Diamond Battery Provides Universal Applicability

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Blog: Nanotechnology

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INSIDER: Nanotechnology

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

Blog: Imaging

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Latest Tech Briefs

Briefs: Motion Control
Materials Capable of Self-Propulsion
Shape and environment can cause materials to move without motors or hands.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
High-Torque Light-Powered Actuator
These actuators can compete with electrical and pneumatic systems.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Laser-Light-Based Accelerometer
The tiny device accurately measures acceleration in smaller navigation systems and other devices.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Soft Robots Turn Rigid on Demand
A new type of control system may broaden robots’ range of tasks and allow safer interactions with people.
Briefs: Imaging
High-Resolution Multi-Spectral Camera
The intelligent camera features all three resolutions: spatial, temporal, and spectral.
Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
Underwater Navigation System Powered by Sound
This system enables battery-free ocean exploration with applications ranging from marine conservation to aquaculture.
Briefs: Test & Measurement
Surgical Tools with Smart Sensors Can Advance Cardiac Surgery and Therapy
Medical instruments equipped with a soft electronics system improve diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in minimally invasive surgeries.
Briefs: Wearables
Smartphone-Based Diabetes Detector
This technology could be a low-cost, in-home alternative to blood draws and clinic-based screening tools.
Briefs: Energy
Turning Carbon Dioxide into Liquid Fuel
A new electrocatalyst efficiently converts carbon dioxide into ethanol.
Briefs: Materials
Lightweight Green Supercapacitors Could Quickly Charge Devices
The energy storage device can store a charge up to 900 times greater than state-of-the-art supercapacitors.
Briefs: Connectivity
Active Photonic Wireless System Powers Medical Implants
The device recharges the internal battery of implants without invasive surgery.
Briefs: Materials
Radiopaque Glue Seals Wounds and Guides Surgery
This nanoparticle-based adhesive is visible in common imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT).
Briefs: Lighting
Using Solar Panel Technology to Create Ultrahigh-Resolution OLED Display
The micro-display could enable smartphones and televisions with resolutions of more than 10,000 pixels per inch.
Briefs: Imaging
Technologies Make 3D Cameras Easier to Use
These technologies help compress 3D camera files and automate focus and exposure settings.
Briefs: Energy
Extracting Bioproducts from Plants for Biofuels
Biofuels can achieve cost parity with petroleum fuels.
Briefs: Nanotechnology
Method Precisely Delivers Therapeutics Inside the Body
Ultrasound is used to deliver antibodies to treat cancers, infectious diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Supercapacitors for Wearable Devices
These robust supercapacitors still work when stretched to eight times their original size.
Briefs: Imaging
Ultra-Miniaturized Microendoscope
The lens-free scope produces higher-quality images at a fraction of the size.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Plenoptic Camera
This camera enables multi-spectral imaging for metrology.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Polymer/Ceramic Composite as a Thin-Film Solid Electrolyte
This composite can be used in lithium metal batteries.
Briefs: Materials
Ultrasonic Projector
A chip-based technology generates sound profiles with high resolution and intensity to make ultrasound therapy more effective and easier.
Briefs: Tubing & Extrusion
Smart Stent Detects Narrowing of Arteries
The stent monitors even subtle changes in the flow of blood through the artery.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Researchers Acquire 3D Images with LED Room Lighting and a Smartphone
Researchers are tapping into dynamically controlled LEDs to create a simple illumination system for 3D imaging.
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: Test & Measurement
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.
Question of the Week
Will Robotic Exoskeletons Help the Elderly?

Webcasts

On-Demand Webinars: Automotive

Using Thermoplastics on EV Battery Enclosures/Structures to Improve Weight,...

Upcoming Webinars: Photonics/Optics

Optics and Coatings Technology

Webinars: Medical

Advances in Medical Imaging

Upcoming Webinars: Test & Measurement

Secrets to Efficiently Sustaining Your Automated Test System

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