Tech Briefs

A comprehensive library of technical briefs from engineering experts at NASA and major government, university, and commercial laboratories covering all aspects of innovations in electronics, software, photonics, imaging, motion control, automation, sensors, test, materials, manufacturing, mechanical, and mechatronics.

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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
The machines fold themselves within 100 milliseconds and can flatten and refold thousands of times.
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Briefs: Motion Control
The walking quadruped is controlled and powered by pressurized air.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
The design could contribute to various applications in the robotics field such as smart prosthetics and human-robot interaction.
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Briefs: Automotive
One of the final hurdles to hydrogen power is securing a safe method for detecting hydrogen leaks.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Color changes of gold nanoparticles under the skin reveal concentration changes of substances in the body.
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Briefs: Test & Measurement
Researchers at KU Leuven have succeeded for the first time in measuring brain waves directly via a cochlear implant.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Recent advances could make it feasible to deploy networks of methane sensors to detect this greenhouse gas at large facilities.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Researchers have developed a millimeter-thick accelerometer.
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Briefs: Transportation
The LiDAR-based system could “see through” objects to warn of potential hazards without distracting the driver.
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Briefs: Test & Measurement
Applications include remote sensing, laser spectroscopy, and gas analysis.
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Briefs: AR/AI
This technology bends light more efficiently, enabling more immersive augmented reality display systems.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
These tiny detectors could record characteristics of light such as color, polarity, and angle.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Complete integrated circuits with more than 1,000 organic electrochemical transistors can be screen-printed.
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Briefs: AR/AI
The algorithm identified a new compound potentially useful for photonic devices and biologically inspired computers.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
The transistors enable power converters to perform at substantially improved efficiencies, especially in high-power applications.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
This tool could help surgeons better treat tumors and brain diseases.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
The software could help reduce cost and waste for companies using additive manufacturing to mass-produce parts in factories.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Movements of individual particles of light are reconstructed to see through clouds, fog, and other obstructions.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
The new material could help put more power in smaller microchips.
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Briefs: Materials
Thanks to its flexibility and adhesion, the biodegradable display can be worn directly on the hand.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
The technology could boost quantum computers and other superconducting electronics.
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Briefs: Motion Control
New high bus voltage stepper motor systems avoid the complexity and expense of servo motors.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Using gold nanomaterials, this disk can hold data securely for more than 600 years.
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Briefs: Materials
The device uses load frames to test bonded structures in aerospace, automotive, defense, and energy storage applications.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Applications include portable aerospace structures and terrestrial structures such as cleanrooms and field hospitals.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
This work could lead to much more robust devices that continue to operate in spite of damage.
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Briefs: Test & Measurement
The software automatically checks mission operations logs.
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Briefs: Transportation
The technology could help computers process visual information more like the human brain.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
The reusable mask would include a heated copper mesh powered by a battery and surrounded by insulating neoprene.
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