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: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Seeing Around Corners to Detect Object Shapes
Briefs: Energy
Relaxor Piezoelectric Single-Crystal Multilayer Stacks for Energy Harvesting Transducers (RPSEHT)
Briefs: Materials
Material Combination Strengthens Body Armor
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Top Stories

INSIDER: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Small, Precise Gyroscope Navigates Without GPS

Videos: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Tactile Robotic Finger Uses Optics for Multicurved Surfaces

Blog: Robotics, Automation & Control

Collaborative Robots vs. Traditional Robots: What's Right for Your Manufacturing Applications

INSIDER: Electronics & Computers

Ultra-Low Power Chip for IoT Wi-Fi

Blog: Manufacturing & Prototyping

How One Engineer is Supporting the Coronavirus Response with a Hands-Free...

Blog: Automotive

Answering Your Questions: What Will Drive Growth of Class 8 Electric...

Latest Tech Briefs

Briefs : Manufacturing & Prototyping
High-Area Rapid 3D Printing
This new 3D printer can print an object the size of an adult human in just a couple of hours.
Briefs : Materials
Soft, Flexible Materials with Enhanced Properties
These materials can be used in soft robotics, self-healing electronics, and medical devices.
Briefs : Electronics & Computers
Maximizing Safety in Advanced Battery Systems
Fuse devices enable circuit safety in high-power applications, such as motion control and alternative energy generation, in addition to electric vehicles.
Briefs : Materials
High Thermally Conductive Polymeric Composites
These carbon-based fillers can be used in thermally conductive clothing such as liquid-cooled garments.
Briefs : Imaging
Cryogenic Near-Field Optical Microscope Images Dynamics of Graphene
This imaging technique could impact optical communications and signal processing.
Briefs : Semiconductors & ICs
Model Predicts Breaking Point of Conducting Material
This work could accelerate the development of flexible electronics.
Briefs : Imaging
Terahertz Imaging System Uses Small, Efficient Lasers
The lasers are small and efficient enough to fit on a microchip.
Briefs : Mechanical & Fluid Systems
High-Reliability Radio Frequency MEMS Switch
Applications include homeland security, vehicle anti-collision systems, telecommunications systems, and industrial instrumentation.
Briefs : Photonics/Optics
Using Sound and Light for Ultrafast Data Transfer
This method could lead to the transmission of data at the rate of 100 gigabits per second.
Briefs : Internet of Things
Ultra-Low-Power WiFi Radio Enables IoT Devices
Housed in a chip, it lets IoT devices communicate with existing WiFi networks.
Briefs : Manufacturing & Prototyping
3D Printing Process Produces Highly Porous Glass Objects
The basis for the technology is a special resin that can be cured with UV light.
Briefs : Aerospace
NASA Space Data Can Cut Disaster Response Times, Costs
The NASA study is a first step in developing a model to deploy in future disasters.
Briefs : Aerospace
Researchers Generate Terahertz Laser with Laughing Gas
In the middle ground between microwaves and visible light lies terahertz radiation, and the promise of “Tray vision.”
Briefs : Test & Measurement
Researchers Create Nanoscale Sensors to Better See How High Pressure Affects Materials
Researchers have developed new nanoscale technology to image and measure more of the stresses and strains on materials under high pressures.
Briefs : Communications
Stretchable Wireless Sensor Could Monitor Healing of Cerebral Aneurysms
A wireless sensor small enough to be implanted in the blood vessels of the human brain could help clinicians evaluate the healing of aneurysms.
Briefs : Sensors/Data Acquisition
New Solution to Elderly Falls: Drones, Smartphones and Sensors
Drones, smartphones, and sensors could provide a lifeline to the world’s growing elderly population at risk of falls.
Briefs : Wearables
Oxygen Sensor for Sick Infants
A mobile, wearable device the size of a Band-Aid could allow babies to leave the hospital and be monitored from home.
Briefs : Medical
Self-Moisturizing, Smart Contact Lenses
The lenses can prevent dry eyes and may be used for drug delivery.
Briefs : Medical
Soft, Conformable Hearing Implants
These electrode implants will allow people with a dysfunctional inner ear to hear again.
Briefs : Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Low-Inductance DC Power Bus
The bus is designed for high-frequency, high-temperature operation in electric drive systems and next-generation power electronics.
Briefs : Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Layered Composite Insulation
This cost-saving piping insulation has uses in refrigerated containers that protect food, medicine, and other perishables.
Briefs : Electronics & Computers
Magnetic Shield Using Proximity Coupled, Spatially Varying Superconducting Order Parameters
This magnetic shielding design can be easily incorporated into a wide range of electronic sensing applications.
Briefs : Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Flap Device for Airframe Noise Reduction
This trailing edge flap device reduces noise without compromising cruise efficiency or landing lift and stall characteristics.
Briefs : Nanotechnology
Wireless System Powers Devices Inside the Body
The technology could enable remote control of drug delivery, sensing, and other medical applications.
Briefs : Aerospace
Insect-Inspired Arms Improve Drones
The new arm design enables unmanned aerial vehicles to fly in windy conditions.
Briefs : Sensors/Data Acquisition
Conductive Polymer/Carbon Nanotube Structural Materials
These materials can be used in aerospace vehicles, automobiles, clothing, helmets, and chemical sensors.
Briefs : Power
Green Jet Fuel Additive Made from Acetone Plus Light
The additive creates fuel from biomass while improving engine performance.
Question of the Week
Is Anonymization the Best Way to Protect Personal Data?

Webcasts

Upcoming Webinars: Photonics/Optics

High-Powered Directed Energy Laser Projects: Destroy the Target,...

Upcoming Webinars: Photonics/Optics

Optical Coating Design

Upcoming Webinars: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Rapid Decompression and Sealed Containers: Why Choose Magnet...

Upcoming Webinars: Motion Control

Advantages of Smart Servo Steppers vs. Smart Brushless Servos

Upcoming Webinars: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Large Cable, Large Problems: Considerations for Innovation

Upcoming Webinars: Robotics, Automation & Control

Collaborative Robots: Are They as Safe as They Sound?

Trending Stories

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Articles: Robotics, Automation & Control

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Briefs: Information Technology

Fault-Tolerant Coding for State Machines