Test & Measurement

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

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Detector Senses X-Rays Over a Broad Energy Range

New materials generate precise X-ray images with a lower amount of exposure.

Briefs: Medical

Biosensor Enables Real-Time Oxygen Monitoring for Organs-On-A-Chip

This sensor makes it possible to ensure that such systems more closely mimic the function of real organs.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Lenslet-Based Integral Field Spectrograph

Applications include biomedical imaging, remote sensing, and heliophysics research.

Briefs: Data Acquisition

Long-Range Wireless Sensor Network

The network is designed for remote, low-resource locations where power and communications infrastructure are scarce.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Ring Detects Finger Location to Track Hand Movements

The technology, which could be added to smart watches, could detect the onset of Parkinson’s disease or help with stroke rehabilitation.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Possible Significant Response Speedup from Detuning a Resonator Bolometer

The response time of kinetic inductance bolometers can be greatly enhanced by electrothermal feedback for devices that are both sensitive and speedy.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Bending an Organic Semiconductor Boosts Electrical Flow

This method could benefit next-generation electronics.

Briefs: Unmanned Systems

Testing Swarming Drones

This system has a capacity of more than 1,500 times the volume of a typical testing facility.

Briefs: Wearables

Drawing Electronics on Human Skin

People could monitor their own health conditions by picking up a pencil and drawing a bioelectronic device on their skin.

Briefs: Transportation

AI Software Enables Real-Time 3D Printing Quality Assessment

The software assesses the quality of parts in real time, without the need for expensive characterization equipment.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Measuring Optical Null Lens Aberrations

This method can be used in astronomy, surveillance, and optics manufacturing.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

System Eases Networking Lag in Massive IoT Devices

“EasyPass” would enable smart warehouses, automated factories, and more to operate without delays.

Briefs: Data Acquisition

Occulter for CubeSat Coronagraph

The instrument has uses in photography where the goal is to image a dim object near a bright one.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Comb-on-a-Chip Optical Ruler Measures Colors of Light Waves

The newest version of these combs could revolutionize clocks, telescopes, and telecommunications.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Technologies Interpret Mood from the Skin

Smart devices measure electrical signals from the skin, indicating stress levels and emotions.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Laser Technology Assesses Cancer Cells

Laser light induces ultrasonic vibrations in a sample that can be used to image cells, blood vessels, and tissues.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Smart Windows Self-Illuminate on Rainy Days

Self-powering, color-changing humidity sensors are applicable to various fields including smart windows, health care, and safety management.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Acoustic Monitoring of Laser Welds

Empa researchers were able to demonstrate real-time acoustic monitoring of laser weld seams.

Briefs: Energy

Self-Powered Alarm Fights Forest Fires, Monitors Environment

A remote forest fire detection and alarm system is powered by nothing but the movement of trees in the wind.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Engineers 3D-Print Sensors Onto Moving Organs

Designed to assist in robotic surgeries, biomedical devices can be printed in and on the human body.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Markerless Motion Capture Technology Could Help Skeleton Athletes’ Training

A new type of motion capture technology accurately tracks an athlete during the push start phase of performance.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Ultra-Sensitive Device Detects Magnetic Fields

The magnetic device is inexpensive to make, works on minimal power, and is 20 times more sensitive than many traditional devices.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

Automated Robotic Device for Faster Blood Testing

This technology provides rapid results, improving hospital workflow and patient care.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Breathable Electronics for Wearable Technologies

The material was designed specifically for biomedical or wearable technologies, since sweat and volatile organic compounds evaporate away from the skin.