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: Test & Measurement
The newest version of these combs could revolutionize clocks, telescopes, and telecommunications.
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Briefs: Test & Measurement
Laser light induces ultrasonic vibrations in a sample that can be used to image cells, blood vessels, and tissues.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Flat-panel technology could transform antennas, wireless, and cellphone communications.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
This system encodes information in twisting beams of light.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Self-powering, color-changing humidity sensors are applicable to various fields including smart windows, health care, and safety management.
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Briefs: Materials
Empa researchers were able to demonstrate real-time acoustic monitoring of laser weld seams.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
A new type of motion capture technology accurately tracks an athlete during the push start phase of performance.
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Briefs: Data Acquisition
Researchers tackled the problem using a geophysical measurement called seismic anisotropy.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
One unexpected application for spider silk is its use in the creation of biocompatible lenses.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
University of Colorado researchers have described a new silicon chip that improves the resolution and scanning speed needed for a lidar system.
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Briefs: Imaging
Real-time terahertz imaging with a single-pixel detector.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Features include unusual color changes and high touch sensitivity.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
The material was designed specifically for biomedical or wearable technologies, since sweat and volatile organic compounds evaporate away from the skin.
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Briefs: Nanotechnology
Tiny, metal-rich particles can be excited with a low-power laser for deep-tissue imaging.
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Briefs: Materials
The technique could easily be translated into existing medical device manufacturing processes for use in orthopedic implants.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
This technology shows potential for the detection of subtle human motions and the real-time monitoring of body postures for healthcare applications.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
An ultrafast image sensor with a built-in neural network can be trained to recognize certain objects.
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Briefs: Aerospace
Smart adaptive clothing can lower the body temperature of the wearer in hot climates.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
The method determines whether circuits are accurately executing complex operations that classical computers can’t tackle.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
This technique offers enhanced resolution and improved system reliability for mapping and obstacle recognition and navigation for vehicles.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Biologically inspired ultrathin arrayed camera captures super-resolution images.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Ultrafast Camera Captures Transparent Objects and Phenomena
The camera can take up to 1 trillion pictures per second of transparent objects, shockwaves, and other phenomena.
Briefs: Energy
This technology is useful for energy, industrial, and aerospace applications.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
A new proof-of-concept photonic pH sensor could advance studies of tissue regeneration.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
A research team has built a super-high-speed microscope.
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Briefs: Imaging
A new low-cost imaging system could make it easier to track mosquito species that carry disease, enabling a more timely and targeted response.
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Briefs: Communications
Using integrated photonic chips fabricated at EPFL, scientists have demonstrated laser-based microwave generators.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
A new CT scan method using intense synchrotron radiation produces higher quality images within milliseconds.
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Briefs: Lighting
Researchers at Linköping University, together with colleagues in China, have developed a tiny unit that is both an optical transmitter and a receiver.
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