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: Materials
Research demonstrates the potential of a solar unit that can hang on the outside of a structure.
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Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs
The chip could provide low-voltage power for small devices or sensors.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
The unit could help healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients.
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Briefs: Imaging
The chip combines two functions — logic operations and data storage — into a single architecture, paving the way to more efficient devices.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
This device for harnessing terahertz radiation might enable self-powering implants, cellphones, and other portable electronics.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Applications include monitoring the temperature of processor chips in superconductor-based quantum computers, which must stay cold to work properly.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Applications include aerospace, automotive, commercial spaceflight, scuba diving equipment, and for first responders.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
This supercapacitor promises storage, high power, and fast charging.
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Briefs: Imaging
The system turns faces into thermostats, providing more comfort with less energy.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
The material, commonly found in house paint, can be used in a device to more efficiently process information.
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Briefs: Test & Measurement
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...
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Briefs: Wearables
This patch offers noninvasive and continuous monitoring of various biomarkers for a range of physiological conditions.
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Briefs: Medical
The patch uses painless, biodegradable microneedles.
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Briefs: Energy
The technology is inherently safer and more energy-dense than today’s lithium-ion batteries.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
The system can recharge the internal battery of devices without invasive surgery or risky penetrative procedures.
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Briefs: Imaging
The device could reduce the need for painful biopsies by 50 percent.
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Briefs: Test & Measurement
Combined with smartphone technology, the device becomes a portable system that can track, monitor, and diagnose infections.
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Briefs: AR/AI
This system provides low-cost monitoring for machine health with audio-based artificial intelligence.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
This simple and inexpensive design achieves high-quality ozone measurements.
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Briefs: Energy
Membranes that remove salt from water help split sea water into fuel.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
The system is filled with a patient’s skin cells.
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Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs
Computations are done solely with beams of light.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
The system enables measurement of active or passive microstrip line devices with DC probing capability.
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Briefs: Packaging & Sterilization
The system uses off-the-shelf materials combined with ultraviolet lights to decontaminate N95 masks.
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Briefs: Unmanned Systems
The battery could be used for drones, cars, or underwater applications at low temperatures.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
The mobile system could reduce healthcare workers’ exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
This lightweight, portable garment is designed for active shoulder and elbow positioning.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
This subsystem is used in free-space optical communications and fiber-optic communications.
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Briefs: AR/AI
The system allows multiple users to interact with the same VR app on smartphones, providing opportunities for education, healthcare, and entertainment.
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