Semiconductors & ICs

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

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Small and Dexterous Cockroach-Inspired Robot

This robot can run, jump, carry heavy payloads, and turn on a dime.

Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs

Tiny Quantum Sensors See Materials Transform Under Pressure

Diamonds’ atomic flaws are converted into atomic sensors that watch a quantum world of materials under extreme pressure.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Programmable Digital Fiber

The fiber contains memory, temperature sensors, and a trained neural network program for inferring physical activity.

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

Far-Infrared Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detector (FIR MKID) Array

This technology improves the detection of low-power far-infrared (FIR) signals.

Briefs: Imaging

Cameras Learn and Understand What They are Seeing

Sensing and learning can be combined to create novel cameras for artificial intelligence systems.

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

Thin-Film, High-Frequency Antenna Array for Wireless Communications

The phased array antenna based on large-area electronics technology could enable many uses of emerging 5G and 6G wireless networks.

Briefs: Energy

Preventing Short-Circuiting in Next-Generation Lithium Batteries

The approach could advance the potential of high-powered, solid-electrolyte lithium batteries.

Briefs: Wearables

Miniature Lung-Heart Sensor on a Chip

A tiny sensor chip records multiple lung and heart signals along with body movements.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Stable Polymeric Ink with High Conductivity

This paves the way for innovative and more energy-efficient printed electronics.

Briefs: Materials

Laser Jolts Microscopic Electronic Robots into Motion

Incorporating semiconductor components, microscopic robots are made to walk with standard electronic signals.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Unique Amplifier Could Change Optical Communication

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed an optical amplifier that they expect will revolutionize both space and fiber communication.

Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs

Let’s Get Small: New Argonne Method Greatly Improves X-Ray Nanotomography Resolution

Scientists are working to improve the image resolution of X-ray techniques.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Graphene-Based Photonics Devices for Remote Sensing

Growing large-area graphene on optical substrates enables use in photonics devices.

Briefs: Aerospace

High-Resolution, Continuous Field-of-View, Non-Rotating Imaging System

Applications include planetary exploration and imaging systems used in surveillance, navigation, and target recognition.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Method Integrates Elements of Electronic Filters onto a Single Component

This component takes up ten times less space on computer chips.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Coating Protects Fragile Quantum Electronics

The protective coating works like body armor for the atomically thin materials.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Manufacturing Technique Yields Flexible Electronics

With this advance, so-called “flextronics” move closer to reality.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Photonic Integrated Chip for Improved Light Control

This combination of technologies could enable developments for many optical applications.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Material Increases Efficiency of LED Devices

The approach achieves near 100% light emission efficiency at all brightness levels.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Coherent Optical Transistor

Applications include telecommunications, optical switching, and quantum computing.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

One-Atom-Thin 2D Magnet

The ultrathin magnet could advance new applications in computing and electronics.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Ultra-High Performance Flexible Ultraviolet Sensors for Use in Wearables

To enable the development of wearable devices that possess advanced ultraviolet (UV) detection functions, scientists have created a new type of light sensor that is both flexible and highly sensitive.

Briefs: Connectivity

Tiny, Wireless, Injectable Chips Use Ultrasound to Monitor Body Processes

Implantable chips visible only in a microscope point the way to developing chips that can be injected into the body with a hypodermic needle to monitor medical conditions.