Tech Briefs

Photonics & Imaging

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

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

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: Photonics/Optics

Tiny Light Detectors Record the Incoming Angle of Light

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

Briefs: Materials

Large Integrated Circuits Produced in a Printing Press

Complete integrated circuits with more than 1,000 organic electrochemical transistors can be screen-printed.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

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: Photonics/Optics

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

Biodegradable Displays for Sustainable Electronics

Thanks to its flexibility and adhesion, the biodegradable display can be worn directly on the hand.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

High-Capacity Optical Data Storage Disk

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

Briefs: Automotive

Synapse-Like Phototransistor

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

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

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

The inexpensive cameras are easy to produce.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

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: Imaging

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 in...

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: Photonics/Optics

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: 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 being formed at the nanoscale.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

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.