Photonics/​Optics

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Compact Infrared Spectrometer

This device fits on a computer chip but can analyze infrared light in the same way as a conventional spectrometer.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

New Materials Boost Efficiency and Stability of Optical Rectennas

Rectennas convert electromagnetic fields at optical frequencies directly to electrical current. Optical rectennas operate by coupling light’s electromagnetic field to an...

Briefs: Imaging

Manufacturing Ultra-Thin Camera Lenses

Ultra-thin and flexible metalenses could replace traditional camera lenses.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Kodiak 3D LiDAR

This system provides low-cost, reliable 3D LiDAR images in nearly any lighting condition.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Photoreceptor System for Melatonin Regulation and Phototherapy

This system treats light-responsive disorders or deficits such as eating disorders, sleep problems, hormone-sensitive cancers, and cardiovascular disorders.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Sensitive Optical Receivers for Space

This concept could help break through the present-day data-return bottleneck in deep space missions.

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

Low-Energy Nanolaser Shines in all Directions

Compared to a LED, the omnidirectional laser light is much brighter and better defined.

Briefs: Lighting

Compound for Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs)

The material could enable cheaper and more environmentally friendly displays and large-area lighting.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Smart Fabric Detects and Collects Space Dust

A smart fiber being tested on the International Space Station could be used to develop space dust telescopes and allow astronauts to feel through their pressurized suits.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Sensing Magnetic Fields

Applications include detection of explosives, navigation, and aerospace altitude sensing.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Stretchable Micro-Supercapacitors Self-Power Wearable Devices

A stretchable system can harvest energy from human breathing and motion.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Niobium Titanium Nitride Thin Film Coating

Applications include terahertz medical imaging and communications.

Briefs: Imaging

A Near-Perfect Blackbody Calibration Target

This rapid and cost-effective technique yields a uniform etched surface with 99.5 percent emissivity.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Split-Ring Torque Sensor

This optical-based device measures position, velocity, and torque.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Photonic Wireless System Powers Medical Implants

The system can recharge the internal battery of devices without invasive surgery or risky penetrative procedures.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Cavity-Enhanced Absorption Spectroscopy (CEAS) for Ozone Detection

This simple and inexpensive design achieves high-quality ozone measurements.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Platform for All-Optical Computing

Computations are done solely with beams of light.

Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs

Atomically Thin Light-Emitting Device for Invisible Displays

Invisible displays on walls and windows would be bright when turned on but invisible when turned off.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Cascaded Offset Optical Modulator

This subsystem is used in free-space optical communications and fiber-optic communications.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Fine-Pointing Optical Communication System Using Laser Arrays

This technique for optical data transmission from satellites uses laser arrays to provide fine pointing capability.

Briefs: Communications

Vortex Radiometer for Wireless Communications

Any high-performance communication systems operating in RF or optical frequencies may benefit from this system.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

3D X-Ray Imager for 3D Object Retrieval

Applications include characterizing additively manufactured components and baggage screening.

Briefs: Automotive

3D Camera Merges Depth and Spectral Data

The camera collects the spatial and spectral information required for self-driving cars, machine vision, corrosion detection, and other applications.

Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs

Printable Light Sensors Can See Colors

Printable organic photodiodes can distinguish wavelengths and enable data transmission by light.

Briefs: Energy

Robotic Assembly of Photovoltaic Arrays

Adaptable automation reduces manufacturing time and costs.

Briefs: Materials

Continuous and Stable Lasing Achieved From Low-Cost Perovskites at Room Temperature

With low-cost materials called perovskites, stable, continuous lasing is achieved at room temperature for over an hour.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Ambient Light Alters Refraction in 2D Material

See how tantalum disulfide is supporting new kinds of optics, and potentially new kinds of application for VR and self-driving cars.

Briefs: Data Acquisition

“Alexa, Go to The Kitchen and Fetch Me a Snack”

MIT engineers are envisioning robots more like home helpers.