Tech Briefs

Photonics & Imaging

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

Briefs: Materials
Biodegradable Displays for Sustainable Electronics
Briefs: Transportation
Synapse-Like Phototransistor
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Novel Flexible Terahertz Camera Can Inspect Objects with Diverse Shapes
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Top Stories

Blog: Photonics/Optics

With 'Ghost'-Like Physics, Optical Rectennas Generate Power from Wasted...

Blog: Sensors/Data Acquisition

A Robotic 'Digger Finger' Senses Buried Items

INSIDER: Energy

Inexpensive Tin Packs a Big Punch for the Future of Supercapacitors

Blog: Energy

'Self-Aware' Sensing Material Powers Itself

Videos: Medical

Ultrasound Enables 'Deep-Brain' Treatment, Without the Implant

Blog: Sensors/Data Acquisition

How to Make an RFID Chip Even Smaller

Latest Tech Briefs

Briefs: Power
Rotating Detonation Engines for Rocket Propulsion
These engines will allow upper stage rockets for space missions to become lighter, travel farther, and burn more cleanly.
Briefs: Materials
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 being formed at the nanoscale.
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: Materials
Turning Diamond into Metal
Normally an insulator, diamond becomes a metallic conductor when subjected to large strain.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Oxide Dispersion Strengthened Medium Entropy Alloy
This additively manufactured alloy is tailored for high-temperature applications.
Briefs: Aerospace
System Helps Drones Detect and Avoid Power Lines
This technology provides drones sufficient time and distance to react, avoid wires, and navigate follow-on maneuvers.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
High-Resolution Multi-Spectral Camera
The intelligent camera features all three resolutions: spatial, temporal, and spectral.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Smartphone-Based Diabetes Detector
This technology could be a low-cost, in-home alternative to blood draws and clinic-based screening tools.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
High-Power, Portable Terahertz Laser
The instrument could bring powerful sensing and imaging capabilities into hospitals, airports, or other settings.
Briefs: Imaging
Technologies Make 3D Cameras Easier to Use
These technologies help compress 3D camera files and automate focus and exposure settings.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Completely Flat Fisheye Lens
The single piece of glass produces crisp panoramic images.
Briefs: Test & Measurement
Plenoptic Camera
This camera enables multi-spectral imaging for metrology.
Briefs: Test & Measurement
Surgical Tools with Smart Sensors Can Advance Cardiac Surgery and Therapy
Medical instruments equipped with a soft electronics system improve diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in minimally invasive surgeries.
Briefs: Medical
Radiopaque Glue Seals Wounds and Guides Surgery
This nanoparticle-based adhesive is visible in common imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT).
Briefs: Imaging
Using Solar Panel Technology to Create Ultrahigh-Resolution OLED Display
The micro-display could enable smartphones and televisions with resolutions of more than 10,000 pixels per inch.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Ultra-Miniaturized Microendoscope
The lens-free scope produces higher-quality images at a fraction of the size.
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: AR/AI
Optical Phased Array Technology On-Chip at Near Infrared and Blue Wavelength
This compact beam steering technology has applications in autonomous navigation, AR, and neuroscience.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Low-Cost Strengthened Glass Substrates
These glass substrates can be used for displays on smartphones and tablets and for other durable, impact-resistant applications.
Briefs: Materials
High-Torque Light-Powered Actuator
These actuators can compete with electrical and pneumatic systems.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Fast-Tunable Laser System
The system provides high tuning capability and extreme simplicity.
Briefs: Energy
Optimized Wavelength-Tuned, Nonlinear, Frequency Conversion Using a Liquid Crystal Clad Waveguide
Applications include spectroscopy and LiDAR.
Briefs: IoMT
Active Photonic Wireless System Powers Medical Implants
The device recharges the internal battery of implants without invasive surgery.
Briefs: Motion Control
Laser-Light-Based Accelerometer
The tiny device accurately measures acceleration in smaller navigation systems and other devices.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Researchers Acquire 3D Images with LED Room Lighting and a Smartphone
Researchers are tapping into dynamically controlled LEDs to create a simple illumination system for 3D imaging.
Briefs: Imaging
INRS Researchers Design the World’s Fastest UV Camera
Imagine being able to snap a picture of extremely fast events on the order of a picosecond.
Briefs: Unmanned Systems
Keeping Drones Flying When a Motor Fails
Onboard cameras can be used to keep damaged quadcopters in the air and flying stably, even without GPS.
Briefs: Materials
Semiconductor Detector Identifies Radioactive Isotopes with High Resolution
The device has applications in medical diagnostics and homeland security.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
High-Brightness Source of Coherent Light Spanning From the UV to THz
A novel technique for a high-brightness coherent and few-cycle duration source spans seven optical octaves.
Question of the Week
Will Recyclable Electronics Catch On?

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Unmanned Aircraft Technology

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Briefs: Materials

Internal-Combustion Engines With Ringless Carbon Pistons

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