Tech Briefs

Sensors & Test

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

Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Soft Hardware for More Flexible Robots
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Soft Tactile Logic Distributes Decision-Making Throughout Stretchable Material
Briefs: Test & Measurement
Small, Precise, Affordable Gyroscope Navigates Without GPS
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Top Stories

Blog: Sensors/Data Acquisition

'HEAT' Uses Cameras to Detect Facial Temperatures and Keep the Room Cool

Briefs: Nanotechnology

Carbon Nanostructure is Stronger Than Diamonds

Videos: Aerospace

'Mini Rover' Can Wiggle Out of Martian Sand Traps

Videos: Automotive

Design Contest Winner Jon Sumroy Shares Success Story

Blog: Test & Measurement

Answering Your Questions: Will the 2020 Mars Rover Have Back-Up Features?

Videos: Test & Measurement

Hyper-Efficient 'SlothBot' Uses Innovative Power Management Technology

Latest Tech Briefs

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Device Modulates Light and Amplifies Tiny Signals
This system can amplify a faint signal from a neighboring system even when that signal’s amplitude is as small as ten trillionths of a meter.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Carbonated Cement for Production of Concrete with Improved Properties
This technology supports CO2 emissions reduction in cement manufacturing.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
High-Efficiency Laser for Silicon Chips
Applications include optical data transfer, infrared and night-vision systems, environmental sensors, and breath analysis for medical diagnosis.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Characterizing Richness of Previously Unmapped Terrain and its Impact on Navigation Using 3D Range Sensors
Landers to small bodies such as comets and asteroids can use this program to estimate the terrain richness of the previously unmapped small body.
Briefs: AR/AI
Wirelessly Powered, Leadless Pacemaker
This device could give doctors a new therapeutic option for treating patients with conditions such as heart failure.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Protocol Improves Storage Efficiency and Output Speed of Computer Systems
This approach enables computer systems to retrieve data much faster.
Briefs: Imaging
Defects Enable High-Performance Infrared Photodetectors
A highly sensitive, CMOS-compatible, broadband photodetector was created by tailoring material defects.
Briefs: Materials
Method Enables Conductive Gels to Stick When Wet
A new way of making polymers adhere to surfaces may enable better biomedical sensors and implants.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Smart Bandages Monitor and Tailor Treatment for Chronic Wounds
Bandages with integrated pH and temperature sensors, and electronically triggered drug release, improve healing.
Briefs: Energy
Open-Source Software Analyzes Economics of Biofuels and Bioproducts
This fast, flexible tool allows researchers to quickly compare and prioritize strategies for converting biomass to fuels and products.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Nano-Infused Ceramic Can Report its own Health
A ceramic sensor could be embedded into structures such as bridges and aircraft to monitor their health.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Microfluidics Device Detects Cancer Cells in Blood
This device could enable rapid, inexpensive liquid biopsies to help detect cancer and develop targeted treatment plans.
Briefs: Nanotechnology
Mobile, Wearable EEG Device with Nanowire Sensors
This low-cost electroencephalogram (EEG) device provides research-grade signal quality.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Electric Nanoscale Device Sees Through Walls
Applications include imaging, sensing, wireless communications, and medical treatments.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Wi-Fi-assisted Inertial Odometry (WIO) Measures Speed and Distance of Indoor Movement
The technique could be used to improve navigation for robots, drones, or pedestrians.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Low-Cost Detection of Thin Film Stress During Fabrication
This method uses fiber optic probes for measurement of semiconductors, optical coatings, magnetic read/write heads, and precision machines.
Briefs: Test & Measurement
Moving Precision Communication, Metrology, Quantum Applications from Lab to Chip
A team is exploring new materials for telecommunications and LIDAR applications.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Artificial Intelligence Finds and Labels 2D Materials Instantly
The AI system can help shorten the time required for 2D material-based electronics to be ready for consumer devices.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
New Material Enables Stable Semiconductor Neutron Detectors
It can be used both in small, portable devices for field inspections and in very large detectors that use arrays of crystals.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Sussex Researchers Combine Lasers, Computers & THz Waves to Build Camera That Sees ‘Unseen’ Details
The nonlinear camera captures high-resolution images of the interior of solid objects using terahertz (THz) radiation.
Briefs: Test & Measurement
Bats Inspire Detectors to Help Prevent Oil and Gas Pipe Leaks
Engineers have developed a new scanning technique inspired by the natural world that can detect corroding metals in oil and gas pipelines.
Briefs: Test & Measurement
Lab-on-a-Chip Enables “Liquid Biopsy” of Cancer Cells
This diagnostic device allows doctors to detect cancer quickly from a droplet of blood or plasma.
Briefs: Imaging
Device Tests Drugs on Tumor Tissue
An inexpensive 3D-printed microfluidics device could be used to personalize cancer treatment.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Radiation-Hardened Gain Digitizer
This instrument has applications in medical equipment, robotics, and satellites.
Briefs: Medical
Ultrasonic System to Assess Compartment Syndrome
Applications include emergency medicine, combat casualty care, and sports injuries.
Briefs: Imaging
Analyzing Wear and Tear of Metal
A new method could enable vehicles and equipment to better withstand high temperatures, loads, and speeds.
Briefs: Wearables
Wearable Air Conditioning
This on-skin electronic device provides a personal air conditioner without electricity.
Briefs: Test & Measurement
Foldable Mechanical Devices
These “developable mechanisms” are built into the surfaces of structures.
Briefs: Motion Control
Algorithm Helps Swarming Robots Avoid Collisions
This technology could help control driverless cars and automated warehouses.
Question of the Week
Can Camera Systems Replace the Wall-Mounted Thermostat?

Webcasts

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Understanding O-ring Complexity in the Aerospace Industry

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Collaborative Robotics: Sharing the Workspace

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Alloy-Enhanced Fans Maintain Fresh Air in Tunnels

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Single-Event Latchup Protection of Integrated Circuits

Videos