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.

Briefs: AR/AI

Standard Digital Camera and AI to Monitor Soil Moisture

Researchers are using a standard RGB digital camera to accurately monitor soil moisture.

Briefs: Energy

“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: Photonics/Optics

Flexible Organic Photovoltaics

These organic solar cells can be useful where constant, low power generation is sufficient.

Briefs: Materials

Rolled 2D Heterostructures

The technology potentially enables a new generation of miniaturized electronic and optoelectronic devices.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

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: Energy

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: Imaging

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: RF & Microwave Electronics

Nanosized Foldable Robots

The machines fold themselves within 100 milliseconds and can flatten and refold thousands of times.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Sensors Eliminate Sparking Risk in Hydrogen Vehicles

One of the final hurdles to hydrogen power is securing a safe method for detecting hydrogen leaks.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

New Sensor Paves Way to Low-Cost Sensitive Methane Measurements

Recent advances could make it feasible to deploy networks of methane sensors to detect this greenhouse gas at large facilities.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

A Better Way to Measure Acceleration

Researchers have developed a millimeter-thick accelerometer.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Monolithic Optical Parametric Oscillator for Laser Spectrometer

Applications include remote sensing, laser spectroscopy, and gas analysis.

Briefs: Imaging

Diffraction Grating Provides Wider Angles for Light Input

This technology bends light more efficiently, enabling more immersive augmented reality display systems.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Tiny Light Detectors Record the Incoming Angle of Light

These tiny detectors could record characteristics of light such as color, polarity, and angle.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

AI System Discovers New Material

The algorithm identified a new compound potentially useful for photonic devices and biologically inspired computers.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Optical Imaging Technology Sheds Light on Tumors

This tool could help surgeons better treat tumors and brain diseases.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Vision System Sees Through Clouds and Fog

Movements of individual particles of light are reconstructed to see through clouds, fog, and other obstructions.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

High-Capacity Optical Data Storage Disk

Using gold nanomaterials, this disk can hold data securely for more than 600 years.

Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs

Synapse-Like Phototransistor

The technology could help computers process visual information more like the human brain.

Briefs: Transportation

Quantum-Dot Infrared Cameras for Electronics and Self-Driving Cars

The inexpensive cameras are easy to produce.

Briefs: AR/AI

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: Photonics/Optics

Optical Device Fine-Tunes the Color of Light

The new photonic architecture could transform digital communications, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Novel Flexible Terahertz Camera Can Inspect Objects with Diverse Shapes

A flexible, free-standing THz sensor array images blind ends of irregularly shaped objects.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

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: Aerospace

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.