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: Sensors/Data Acquisition
The stretchable electronics are more stable as they change shape, which could lead to next-generation sensors for healthcare applications.
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Briefs: Aerospace
The algorithms enable drones to quickly switch between hover and forward flight.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
The device has applications in medical diagnostics and homeland security.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
The technique could have applications in diagnosing and monitoring the lungs of patients with COVID-19.
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Briefs: Aerospace
Onboard cameras can be used to keep damaged quadcopters in the air and flying stably, even without GPS.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Researchers have demonstrated that they can attract, capture, and destroy perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of federally regulated substances nicknamed “the forever chemicals”...
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Briefs: Lighting
Researchers are tapping into dynamically controlled LEDs to create a simple illumination system for 3D imaging.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
A novel technique for a high-brightness coherent and few-cycle duration source spans seven optical octaves.
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Briefs: Imaging
Imagine being able to snap a picture of extremely fast events on the order of a picosecond.
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Briefs: Test & Measurement
Researcher are finding ways to estimate a target location when light gets deflected by a disordered structure.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
The sensor monitors the oil circulation ratio in real time for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
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Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs
Study shows improvements to chemical sensing chip that aims to quickly and accurately identify drugs and other trace chemicals.
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Briefs: Wearables
A patch of needles connected to a paper sensor diagnoses conditions such as prediabetes.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Real-time health monitoring and sensing abilities of robots require soft electronics, but a challenge of using such materials lies in their reliability.
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Briefs: Software
A mathematical framework can help engineers make informed decisions about which sensors to use and where they must be positioned in aircraft and other machines.
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Briefs: Materials
Sensors need to be flexible, stretchable, biodegradable, safe, and stable for use in the body.
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Briefs: Energy
The material can be recycled, making renewable energy more sustainable while lowering costs in the process.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
The technology could continuously monitor fluid flow in pipes on the International Space Station and prevent satellites from colliding.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
A stretchable system can harvest energy from human breathing and motion.
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Briefs: Energy
Adding polymers and fireproofing to a battery’s current collectors makes it lighter, safer, and about 20% more efficient.
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Briefs: Materials
The method could be key to designing more efficient batteries for specific uses such as electric cars and airplanes.
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Briefs: Nanotechnology
This technology charges lithium batteries faster and reduces the risk of device explosions.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Computers or smartphones with folding screens, smart clothing, and wearable sensors all require an energy source, which is usually a lithium-ion battery. These are typically heavy and rigid, making them fundamentally...
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Briefs: Energy
Battery reuse systems could be profitable for both electric vehicle companies and grid-scale solar operations.
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Briefs: Test & Measurement
This device fits on a computer chip but can analyze infrared light in the same way as a conventional spectrometer.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
By emulating the natural cellular architecture of wood, green products such as clothes, packaging, and furniture can be manufactured with unique properties.
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Briefs: Software
This tool provides faster and more detailed composite damage simulation results.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Wafer-Scale Membrane Release Process
This process fabricates thin dielectric membranes with high mechanical yields.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
A newly developed architected metamaterial has the ability to change shape in a tunable fashion.
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