Photonics/​Optics

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

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Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs
A new imaging method allows researchers to see inside complex semiconductors, without destroying them.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Northwestern researchers have developed a new microscopy method that allows scientists to see the building blocks of “smart” materials.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Researchers are using a standard RGB digital camera to accurately monitor soil moisture.
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Briefs: Materials
A connection between electricity and mechanical motion in soft, rubber-like materials could improve robot range.
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Briefs: Energy
These organic solar cells can be useful where constant, low power generation is sufficient.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
The technology potentially enables a new generation of miniaturized electronic and optoelectronic devices.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
The size and shape of the nanostructure can be controlled as it is assembled piece by piece.
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Briefs: Energy
This cell could potentially operate around the clock, balancing the power grid over the day-night cycle.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
This could lead to the commercial development of smart glass, with applications ranging from imaging to advanced robotics.
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Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
The system could one day replace LiDAR and cameras in automated manufacturing, biomedical imaging, and autonomous driving.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
The machines fold themselves within 100 milliseconds and can flatten and refold thousands of times.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
One of the final hurdles to hydrogen power is securing a safe method for detecting hydrogen leaks.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Recent advances could make it feasible to deploy networks of methane sensors to detect this greenhouse gas at large facilities.
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Briefs: Transportation
Researchers have developed a millimeter-thick accelerometer.
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Briefs: Test & Measurement
Applications include remote sensing, laser spectroscopy, and gas analysis.
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Briefs: AR/AI
This technology bends light more efficiently, enabling more immersive augmented reality display systems.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
These tiny detectors could record characteristics of light such as color, polarity, and angle.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
The algorithm identified a new compound potentially useful for photonic devices and biologically inspired computers.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
This tool could help surgeons better treat tumors and brain diseases.
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Briefs: Automotive
Movements of individual particles of light are reconstructed to see through clouds, fog, and other obstructions.
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Briefs: Data Acquisition
Using gold nanomaterials, this disk can hold data securely for more than 600 years.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
The technology could help computers process visual information more like the human brain.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
The inexpensive cameras are easy to produce.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Artificial intelligence is used to decode X-ray images faster, which could aid innovations in medicine, materials, and energy.
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Briefs: Nanotechnology
The new photonic architecture could transform digital communications, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing.
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Briefs: Wearables
A flexible, free-standing THz sensor array images blind ends of irregularly shaped objects.
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Briefs: Imaging
Northwestern researchers have developed a new microscopy method that allows scientists to see the building blocks of “smart” materials being formed at the nanoscale.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
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.
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Briefs: Materials
This additively manufactured alloy is tailored for high-temperature applications.
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