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: RF & Microwave Electronics
Atom-Based Radio Communications
Briefs: Energy
Centimeter-Long Snail Robot Powered with Light
Briefs: Materials
Sustainable 3D-Printed Magnets
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Blog: Electronics & Computers

A 'Charging Room' Powers Devices Through the Air

Blog: Manufacturing & Prototyping

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A New Way to Launch Rockets: Microwave Power

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Go for Launch: Scientists Explore Radiation Risks to Mars-Bound Astronauts

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Better Batteries for Grid-Scale Energy Storage

Latest Tech Briefs

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Solid-State Carbon Dioxide Sensor
Applications include wearables, airplane cabin monitoring, medical diagnostics, and indoor air quality measurement.
Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
Say Goodbye to the Dots and Dashes to Enhance Optical Storage Media
To modernize optical storage, Purdue researchers are replacing Morse code with colored “digital characters.”
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Engineering the Flow of Light
A novel nanostructure produces uniquely shaped light.
Briefs: Materials
A Sharper Look at the Interior of Semiconductors
A new imaging method allows researchers to see inside complex semiconductors, without destroying them.
Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs
New Electron Microscopy Technique Offers First Look at Previously Hidden Processes
Northwestern researchers have developed a new microscopy method that allows scientists to see the building blocks of “smart” materials.
Briefs: AR/AI
Standard Digital Camera and AI to Monitor Soil Moisture
Researchers are using a standard RGB digital camera to accurately monitor soil moisture.
Briefs: Materials
Metal-Free, Recyclable Polypeptide Battery Degrades on Demand
The new battery is degradable, recyclable, non-toxic, and safer than lithium-ion batteries.
Briefs: Automotive
Hybrid Membrane Doubles the Lifetime of Rechargeable Batteries
The membrane prevents dendrite formation, at least doubling the lifetime of a lithium-metal battery.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
3D-Printed Biodegradable Battery
The battery can withstand thousands of charge and discharge cycles and years of storage before being composted.
Briefs: Materials
Rechargeable Cement-Based Batteries
An entire 20-story concrete building could store energy like a giant battery.
Briefs: Energy
Sustainable Aluminum-Anode Batteries
The rechargeable batteries could be a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
Briefs: Nanotechnology
NanoGear Molecular Gear
Oscillatory and rotational motions of different parts are combined to pave the way to developing super-miniaturized mechanical devices.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
“Flexoelectricity” in Soft Elastomers Could Improve Robot Movement
A connection between electricity and mechanical motion in soft, rubber-like materials could improve robot range.
Briefs: Materials
Coiled Linear Actuators for Soft Robotics
This artificial muscle technology enables more human-like motion.
Briefs: Aerospace
Soft Mate Lifting Device
This below-the-hook device enables gentle crane placement to decrease the risk of property damage.
Briefs: Materials
Shape Memory Alloy (SMA)-Enabled Actuators
SMA tube elements drive rotary and ring gear motion in compact, powerful actuators.
Briefs: Materials
Method Turns Discarded Plastic into Surfactants
The chemical process turns plastic into biodegradable chemicals for surfactants and detergents.
Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs
Heat-Resilient Silver Circuits for Extreme Electronics
The tough circuits could withstand the grueling demands of energy production, space exploration, and more.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Shape Memory Alloy Tubular Structure
Applications include vehicle and aircraft tires, sports helmets, military equipment, and seals and couplings.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Standard Water Treatment Eliminates Enveloped Viruses Including Coronavirus
This treatment has the potential to remove from drinking water nearly all viruses that have an “outer fortress.”
Briefs: Aerospace
High-Pressure Soft Lithography for Microtopographical Patterning of Molded Polymers and Composites
Applications include anti-fouling and anti-contamination, aerodynamic and hydrodynamic drag reduction, and adhesive joining of composite parts.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
System Identifies Battery Materials for Recycling
The Battery Identity Global Passport could be accessible as a scannable QR code or a computer chip.
Briefs: Transportation
Process Creates Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Fuel Cells
This technology can be used for large production volumes such as fuel-cell-powered vehicles.
Briefs: Aerospace
Spacecraft Atmosphere Carbon Dioxide Capture via Deposition
Applications include manned deep space exploration and terrestrial CO2 removal systems.
Briefs: Wearables
Machine Learning Helps Detect Gait Problems in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Gait data and machine learning help to monitor and predict disease progression.
Briefs: Nanotechnology
Carbon Fiber/Carbon Nanotube Yarn Hybrid Reinforcement
Applications include aerospace and automotive components, prosthetics, sporting goods, and other uses where strength-to-weight ratio is important.
Briefs: Materials
Coatings Could Improve Traction on Slick Surfaces
Material for shoe bottoms could help prevent falls in icy or slippery conditions.
Briefs: Materials
High-Mobility Transport Layer Structures for Rhombohedral Si/Ge/SiGe Devices
This invention enables improved carrier mobility for solar cells and other electronic devices.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
High-Power/Pulsed-Power Electrical Switch
The switch has uses in circuit protection systems in the electric power grid, high-power military applications, and power for materials processing.
Question of the Week
Will Stretchable Smartphones Catch On?

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