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.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

AI Improves Performance of Lithium-Ion Batteries and Fuel Cells

A new machine learning algorithm could make smartphones charge faster and increase the time between charges for electric vehicles.

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

Sensitive Optical Receivers for Space

This concept could help break through the present-day data-return bottleneck in deep space missions.

Briefs: Materials

Wearable, Stretchable Gas Sensor

The stretchable sensor has applications in environmental monitoring and healthcare.

Briefs: Aerospace

Split-Ring Torque Sensor

This optical-based device measures position, velocity, and torque.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Smart Fabric Detects and Collects Space Dust

A smart fiber being tested on the International Space Station could be used to develop space dust telescopes and allow astronauts to feel through their pressurized suits.

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

Low-Energy Nanolaser Shines in all Directions

Compared to a LED, the omnidirectional laser light is much brighter and better defined.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Sensing Magnetic Fields

Applications include detection of explosives, navigation, and aerospace altitude sensing.

Briefs: Lighting

Compound for Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs)

The material could enable cheaper and more environmentally friendly displays and large-area lighting.

Briefs: Materials

Miniscule Robots of Metal and Plastic

A technique enables manufacturing of minuscule robots by interlocking multiple materials in a complex way.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

Electronic Skin Sensor Decodes Human Motion

This system can track the motion of the entire body with a small sensory network.

Briefs: Motion Control

Locking Side Pull Hoist Ring

The integrated tool eliminates the need for manual operators or additional custom fixtures.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

New Capabilities for Grasp-Assisting Gloves

Applications include aiding patients with impaired hand muscle strength and in manufacturing for operating tools for extended periods of time.

Briefs: Energy

Side-Mounted Solar Modules Enhance Energy Sustainability

Research demonstrates the potential of a solar unit that can hang on the outside of a structure.

Briefs: Energy

Circuit Generates Clean, Limitless Power from Graphene

The chip could provide low-voltage power for small devices or sensors.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Biocontainment Unit for Virus-Sized Particles

The unit could help healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Next-Generation Computer Chip Has Two Heads

The chip combines two functions — logic operations and data storage — into a single architecture, paving the way to more efficient devices.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Energy-Harvesting Device Turns Wi-Fi Signals into Usable Power

This device for harnessing terahertz radiation might enable self-powering implants, cellphones, and other portable electronics.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Supercool Mini-Thermometer

Applications include monitoring the temperature of processor chips in superconductor-based quantum computers, which must stay cold to work properly.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Liquid Sorbent Carbon Dioxide Removal System

Applications include aerospace, automotive, commercial spaceflight, scuba diving equipment, and for first responders.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Supercapacitor Based on Manganese Oxide

This supercapacitor promises storage, high power, and fast charging.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Autonomous HVAC System Measures Facial Temperature

The system turns faces into thermostats, providing more comfort with less energy.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

New Method Makes Computer Memory from Titanium Oxide

The material, commonly found in house paint, can be used in a device to more efficiently process information.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Handheld Device Measures Cancer Biomarkers

Researchers have created the prototype for a handheld device to measure a biomarker for cancer. The device works much like the monitors that people with diabetes use to test their blood-sugar levels...