RF & Microwave Electronics

Access our comprehensive library of technical briefs on RF & microwave electronics, from engineering experts at NASA and major government, university, and commercial laboratories.

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
Robot Detects and Shares Changes in 3D in Real Time
A robot could immediately alert a human of small changes in their surrounding environment.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Nanosized Foldable Robots
The machines fold themselves within 100 milliseconds and can flatten and refold thousands of times.
Briefs: Imaging
3D Holographic Head-Up Display Could Improve Road Safety
The LiDAR-based system could “see through” objects to warn of potential hazards without distracting the driver.
Briefs: Test & Measurement
Monolithic Optical Parametric Oscillator for Laser Spectrometer
Applications include remote sensing, laser spectroscopy, and gas analysis.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Transport of Mechanical Energy, Even Through Damaged Pathways
This work could lead to much more robust devices that continue to operate in spite of damage.
Briefs: Test & Measurement
Radar Enables Touch-Free Monitoring of Heart Sounds
Mobile radar devices could replace standard stethoscopes.
Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
3D Motion Tracking System for Autonomous Technology
The system could one day replace LiDAR and cameras in automated manufacturing, biomedical imaging, and autonomous driving.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
RFID-Based Rotary Position Sensor

Innovators have developed an RFID-based system for sensing the angular position of rotating systems. The RFID-Based Rotary Position Sensor can be used as a position/orientation sensor or implemented in a...

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
High-Power Microwaves for Launching Space-Bound Rockets
Using microwaves reduces the cost of launching rockets.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Imaging Space Debris in High Resolution
A team has introduced a new method for taking high-res images of fast-moving and rotating objects in space, such as satellites or debris in low-Earth orbit.
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: Communications
CMOS-Based Transceiver for 300 GHz
This transceiver for wireless communications at the 300-GHz band enables beyond-5G applications.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Optimized Wavelength-Tuned, Nonlinear, Frequency Conversion Using a Liquid Crystal Clad Waveguide
Applications include spectroscopy and LiDAR.
Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
Metasurface Focuses Transmissions in the Terahertz Band
Assembling tiny chips into unique programmable surfaces dramatically increases the amount of data wireless systems can transmit.
Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
Ultrasonic Projector
A chip-based technology generates sound profiles with high resolution and intensity to make ultrasound therapy more effective and easier.
Briefs: Materials
New Materials Boost Efficiency and Stability of Optical Rectennas
The improved rectennas could operate low-power devices such as temperature sensors.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Sensitive Optical Receivers for Space
This concept could help break through the present-day data-return bottleneck in deep space missions.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Kodiak 3D LiDAR
This system provides low-cost, reliable 3D LiDAR images in nearly any lighting condition.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Low-Energy Nanolaser Shines in all Directions
Compared to a LED, the omnidirectional laser light is much brighter and better defined.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Energy-Harvesting Device Turns Wi-Fi Signals into Usable Power
This device for harnessing terahertz radiation might enable self-powering implants, cellphones, and other portable electronics.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Microstrip Circuit and Material Characterization System
The system enables measurement of active or passive microstrip line devices with DC probing capability.
Briefs: Communications
Cascaded Offset Optical Modulator
This subsystem is used in free-space optical communications and fiber-optic communications.
Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
Novel Antenna Concept for CubeSat Platforms
While this technology was designed for CubeSats, it may be utilized in any technology that utilizes a structural frame, such as drones.
Briefs: Communications
Toroidal Radiation Pattern Patch Antenna
The antenna is designed for use in extreme conditions such as outer space.
Briefs: AR/AI
Terahertz Receiver for 6G Wireless Communications
The device enables ultra-fast wireless communications at low cost.
Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
Vortex Radiometer for Wireless Communications
Any high-performance communication systems operating in RF or optical frequencies may benefit from this system.
Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
Miniature Antenna Enables Robotic Teaming in Complex Environments
A low-frequency antenna with enhanced bandwidth will enable robust networking among compact, mobile robots.
Briefs: Communications
Self-Assembling Robot Cubes Form Various Structures
The robot blocks jump, spin, flip, and identify each other.
Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
Radar Enables Cars to Spot Hazards Around Corners
Using radar commonly deployed to track speeders and fastballs, the automated system “sees” around corners to spot oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

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