Tech Briefs

Materials & Manufacturing

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

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Briefs: Power
The approach could advance the potential of high-powered, solid-electrolyte lithium batteries.
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Briefs: Imaging
A silicon chip provides a low-cost solution to help machines see the world clearly.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
The windows reduce the need for air conditioning and simultaneously generate electricity.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Comfortable, form-fitting garments could be used to remotely track patients’ health.
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Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
This technology improves the detection of low-power far-infrared (FIR) signals.
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Briefs: Power
This practical technique uses magnetism to transmit electricity wirelessly to recharge electric cars, robots, or drones.
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Briefs: Nanotechnology
The “nanoswimmers” could be used to remediate contaminated soil, improve water filtration, or even deliver drugs to targeted areas of the body.
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Briefs: Motion Control
The multi-legged robots are capable of maneuvering in challenging environments.
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Briefs: Aerospace
Potential uses include MEMS accelerometers, vibration monitoring, and other precision motion control applications.
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Briefs: Materials
The technique controls rather than combats ice formation.
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Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
Applications include manufacturing/assembly line tracking, industrial transportation and logistics, and healthcare.
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Briefs: Aerospace
The low-density, graphene-based aerogel could make aircraft as quiet as a hairdryer.
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Briefs: Materials
The eco-friendly process removes heavy metals, dyes, and other pollutants.
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Briefs: Imaging
The design may enable miniature zoom lenses for drones, cellphones, or night-vision goggles.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
The optically powered machines self-assemble and could be used for nanoscale manipulation of tiny cargo.
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Briefs: Wearables
Flexible carbon nanotube fibers woven into clothing gather accurate EKG and heart rate.
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Briefs: Energy
Applications include space structures, emergency shelters, backpack solar collectors, and inspection of hazardous environments.
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Briefs: Energy
Incorporating semiconductor components, microscopic robots are made to walk with standard electronic signals.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
The 2D materials boost device performance for electronic devices, solar cells, batteries, and medical equipment.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
This robotic arm fuses data from a camera and antenna to locate and retrieve items buried under piles and completely out of view.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Directly visualizing external stresses of plastics is useful in development of materials with improved mechanical properties.
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Briefs: Lighting
This paves the way for innovative and more energy-efficient printed electronics.
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Briefs: Aerospace
The material could be used to create housing in outer space.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
The new printing method coaxes particles and droplets into precise patterns using the power of sound.
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Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs
With this advance, so-called “flextronics” move closer to reality.
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Briefs: Energy
The technology could be key to lighter, less expensive, and long-lasting batteries for future electric vehicles.
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Briefs: Software
Modern PLCs now include IT-capable software and communications protocols, empowering users to easily access edge-sourced data and integrate it with the enterprise.
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Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
Growing large-area graphene on optical substrates enables use in photonics devices.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
The process produces rapid, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly material.
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