Tech Briefs

Electronics & Software

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

Briefs: Imaging

Smartphone-Based COVID-19 Test

The test uses a smartphone microscope and could deliver results in about 10 minutes.

Briefs: Materials

Woven Nanotube Fibers Turn Heat into Power

Invisibly small nanotubes aligned as fibers and sewn into fabrics can turn heat from the Sun or other sources into energy.

Briefs: Materials

Three-Layer Method Makes Plastic More Transparent and Adds Electrical Conductivity

This process could improve large touchscreens, LED light panels, and window-mounted infrared solar cells.

Briefs: Materials

Nanoprecipitates Toughen Structural Alloys

Mechanical properties, such as strength and ductility, can be improved for car, plane, and building components.

Briefs: Wearables

Fibers Turn Fabric into Breath-Regulating Garments

These textiles could help performers and athletes train their breathing and potentially help patients recovering from post-surgery breathing changes.

Briefs: Manned Systems

Power Processing Unit for Small Spacecraft Electric Propulsion

This scalable power processing unit (PPU) is for use with low-power Hall effect thrusters.

Briefs: Propulsion

Process Converts Ethanol to Jet Fuel

A new catalyst and microchannel reactors improve efficiency and cost of the process.

Briefs: Energy

Propulsion System for Hypersonic Flight

The system could allow for flight speeds of Mach 6 to 17 and would have applications in air and space travel.

Briefs: Manned Systems

Ignition Technology for Electric Propulsion Devices

This system would extend the life of CubeSat satellites.

Briefs: Energy

Self-Powered Alarm Monitors Fires and the Environment

This remote forest fire detection and alarm system is powered by nothing but the movement of the trees in the wind.

Briefs: Materials

Foldable Solar Cells

Carbon nanotubes are used to create solar cells with unprecedented flexibility and resistance.

Briefs: Imaging

Computer Vision App for Monitoring Diabetes

The mobile phone app enables regular monitoring of glucose levels in people with diabetes.

Briefs: AR/AI

AI Technology Foils Cyberattacks

The technology is aimed at protecting physical targets, such as utilities and infrastructure.

Briefs: Software

Simulations Provide Understanding of Spacecraft Landing Dynamics

The simulations provide insight on the models needed to simulate a full-scale landing event.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

New Thermal Wave Diagnostic Technique Advances Battery Performance Testing

A new technique for measuring the performance of lithium batteries uses thermal waves to measure local lithium concentration as a function of depth inside battery electrodes.