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: Robotics, Automation & Control
AI and Wearable Cameras Combine in Self-Walking Robotic Exoskeletons
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Say Goodbye to the Dots and Dashes to Enhance Optical Storage Media
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Standard Digital Camera and AI to Monitor Soil Moisture
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Top Stories

Blog: Robotics, Automation & Control

A 3D-Printed 'Fish Fin' Offers New Ideas for Morphing Aircraft

Blog: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Intelligent Robots Pick, Prune in the Peach Orchard

INSIDER: Energy

More Efficient Electricity Distribution Thanks to New Insulation Material

Blog: Electronics & Computers

A 'Charging Room' Powers Devices Through the Air

Blog: Aerospace

Go for Launch: Scientists Explore Radiation Risks to Mars-Bound Astronauts

INSIDER: Power

Better Batteries for Grid-Scale Energy Storage

Latest Tech Briefs

Briefs: Imaging
Universal Tactile Sensing with Electromechanically Coupled Conductors
These tactile imaging sensors can measure pressure distribution without using pressure-sensitive materials.
Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
Multiplexed Optical Antennas
These antennas dramatically increase the amount of information that can be simultaneously transmitted by a coherent light source.
Briefs: Imaging
Wearable Sensors Detect Gas Leaks
The ultra-compact, wearable hologram sensor immediately notifies the user of volatile gas detection.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Engineering the Flow of Light
A novel nanostructure produces uniquely shaped light.
Briefs: Imaging
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.
Briefs: Materials
Centimeter-Long Snail Robot Powered with Light
The soft robot harvests energy from a laser beam and can crawl on horizontal surfaces and climb vertical walls and an upside-down glass ceiling.
Briefs: Materials
A Sharper Look at the Interior of Semiconductors
A new imaging method allows researchers to see inside complex semiconductors, without destroying them.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Atom-Based Radio Communications
An atom-based sensor can determine the direction of an incoming radio signal.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Sustainable 3D-Printed Magnets
An alternative, environmentally friendly production method creates permanent magnets.
Briefs: Nanotechnology
Rolled 2D Heterostructures
The technology potentially enables a new generation of miniaturized electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs
Flexible Organic Photovoltaics
These organic solar cells can be useful where constant, low power generation is sufficient.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
“Flexoelectricity” in Soft Elastomers Could Improve Robot Movement
A connection between electricity and mechanical motion in soft, rubber-like materials could improve robot range.
Briefs: Aerospace
Drones Use Machine Learning to Detect Landmines
Dangerous “butterfly” landmines can be detected using low-cost drones and infrared cameras.
Briefs: Test & Measurement
In-Line, Automated CT Scan Data Inspection of Electronic Connectors
A production-based X-ray solution performs product quality evaluation directly on the manufacturing line.
Briefs: Aerospace
Ultra-Thin, Energy-Efficient Photodetector Integrated with Gorilla Glass
This could lead to the commercial development of smart glass, with applications ranging from imaging to advanced robotics.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Light-Based “Tractor Beam” Assembles Materials at the Nanoscale
The size and shape of the nanostructure can be controlled as it is assembled piece by piece.
Briefs: Energy
Photovoltaic Solar Cell Works at Night
This cell could potentially operate around the clock, balancing the power grid over the day-night cycle.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
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: Robotics, Automation & Control
AI and Wearable Cameras Combined in Self-Walking Robotic Exoskeletons
Exoskeleton legs are capable of thinking and making control decisions on their own using artificial intelligence technology.
Briefs: Automotive
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: Transportation
Quantum-Dot Infrared Cameras for Electronics and Self-Driving Cars
The inexpensive cameras are easy to produce.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Diffraction Grating Provides Wider Angles for Light Input
This technology bends light more efficiently, enabling more immersive augmented reality display systems.
Briefs: Imaging
Optical Imaging Technology Sheds Light on Tumors
This tool could help surgeons better treat tumors and brain diseases.
Briefs: Transportation
Vision System Sees Through Clouds and Fog
Movements of individual particles of light are reconstructed to see through clouds, fog, and other obstructions.
Briefs: Materials
Using Neural Networks for Faster X-Ray Imaging
Artificial intelligence is used to decode X-ray images faster, which could aid innovations in medicine, materials, and energy.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Device Combines Optics and Image Analysis to Count Biomolecules

The promise of personalized medicine involves a simple device that keeps each person apprised of their level of health, identifies even trace amounts of undesirable biomarkers...

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Large Integrated Circuits Produced in a Printing Press
Complete integrated circuits with more than 1,000 organic electrochemical transistors can be screen-printed.
Briefs: Imaging
Biodegradable Displays for Sustainable Electronics
Thanks to its flexibility and adhesion, the biodegradable display can be worn directly on the hand.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Nanosized Foldable Robots
The machines fold themselves within 100 milliseconds and can flatten and refold thousands of times.
Question of the Week
Will Our Buildings Store Energy Like Giant Batteries?

Webcasts

On-Demand Webinars: RF & Microwave Electronics

Advanced High-Peak-Power Semiconductor Laser Transmitter Solutions for LiDAR

Upcoming Webinars: Automotive

Software Reuse in Automotive Engineering

Upcoming Webinars: Automotive

Don’t Let the Future of High-Voltage Cables Shock You

Upcoming Webinars: Aerospace

Artemis: Back to the Moon

Upcoming Webinars: Automotive

Managing the Complexity of Sealing Battery Housings in Electric...

Upcoming Webinars: Automotive

Engineered Fillers for Vehicle Lightweighting: Doing More With...

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Technology Leaders: Photonics/Optics

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Podcasts: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Here's an Idea: A Morphing Airplane Wing Built by Tiny Robots

Blog: Aerospace

A 3D-Printed 'Fish Fin' Offers New Ideas for Morphing Aircraft

Blog: RF & Microwave Electronics

A New Way to Launch Rockets: Microwave Power

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