Tech Briefs

Sensors & Test

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

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Neural Implant Monitors Multiple Brain Areas at Once

A study seeks to understand how different parts of the brain communicate with other.

Briefs: Energy

Wirelessly Power Multiple Wearable Devices Using a Single Source

Researchers successfully demonstrated the use of the human body as a medium for transmitting and harvesting energy to power wearables.

Briefs: Nanotechnology

Nano Flashlight Enables New Applications of Light

Design of miniature optical systems could lead to future cell phones that can detect viruses and more.

Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs

Self-Sustaining, Intelligent Electronic Microsystems from “Green” Material

Researchers have created an electronic microsystem that can intelligently respond to information inputs without any external energy input, much like a...

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Sensitive Method for Detecting Transistor Defects

The method could support the semiconductor industry and facilitate development of next-gen devices.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Turning Thermal Energy into Electricity

Applications include power and energy, communications, and sensors.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

All-in-One Test for COVID-19 Monitoring

The test can simultaneously diagnose cases, track variants, and detect co-infections.

Briefs: Imaging

LEDs Can Detect Spoiled Food and Lethal Gases

The technology could benefit firefighters, miners, the military, plumbers, and households.

Briefs: Wearables

Inexpensive Portable Detector Identifies Pathogens in Minutes

The smartphone-based device could reduce the pressure on testing laboratories during a pandemic.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Measurement Method Tests Fit of Exoskeletons

This testing method ensures that an exoskeleton and the person wearing it are moving smoothly and in harmony.

Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs

Smartphone-Based COVID-19 Test

The test uses a smartphone microscope and could deliver results in about 10 minutes.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Fibers Turn Fabric into Breath-Regulating Garments

These textiles could help performers and athletes train their breathing and potentially help patients recovering from post-surgery breathing changes.

Briefs: Manned Systems

Propulsion System for Hypersonic Flight

The system could allow for flight speeds of Mach 6 to 17 and would have applications in air and space travel.

Briefs: Propulsion

Ignition Technology for Electric Propulsion Devices

This system would extend the life of CubeSat satellites.

Briefs: Energy

Self-Powered Alarm Monitors Fires and the Environment

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

Briefs: Medical

Tool Can Diagnose Strokes with a Smartphone

The tool diagnoses a stroke based on abnormalities in a person’s speech and facial movements.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Soft Contact Lenses Monitor Ocular Diseases

The lenses enable the painless diagnosis or early detection of ocular diseases including glaucoma.

Briefs: Materials

Nanoscale Sensors Measure Elusive Water Levels in Leaves

A new technology uses nanoscale sensors and fiber optics to measure water status just inside a leaf’s surface, where water in plants is most actively managed.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

New Thermal Wave Diagnostic Technique Advances Battery Performance Testing

A new technique for measuring the performance of lithium batteries uses thermal waves to measure local lithium concentration as a function of depth inside battery electrodes.