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: RF & Microwave Electronics
While this technology was designed for CubeSats, it may be utilized in any technology that utilizes a structural frame, such as drones.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
The device can translate expressions into emojis or silent speech commands.
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Briefs: Power
The tiny motor can be powered by both thermal and electrical energy.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Wire-connected drones may complement or replace the fixed base stations of cellular communications networks.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
This robotic finger has a highly precise sense of touch over a complex, multi-curved surface.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
The robot’s extendable appendage can wind through tight spaces and then lift heavy loads.
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Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
The antenna is designed for use in extreme conditions such as outer space.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
This can be used in energy-recovery systems in industrial, space, automotive, and military applications.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
This method enables users to control their robotic fingers precisely enough to gently land on fragile surfaces.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
This technique for optical data transmission from satellites uses laser arrays to provide fine pointing capability.
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Briefs: Aerospace
The thermal management technology could also be used for server farms and spacecraft.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
High-Resolution X-Ray Camera System
The system has applications in X-ray spectroscopy, pump probes, and molecule imaging.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
NASA's phase-locked rotors reduce noise.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
The camera collects the spatial and spectral information required for self-driving cars, machine vision, corrosion detection, and other applications.
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Briefs: Communications
The device enables ultra-fast wireless communications at low cost.
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Briefs: Lighting
Invisible displays on walls and windows would be bright when turned on but invisible when turned off.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Any high-performance communication systems operating in RF or optical frequencies may benefit from this system.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
The soft, wearable device simulates the sense of touch and has wide potential in medical and industrial applications.
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Briefs: Nanotechnology
These switches are key to thermal management of nanoscale devices, refrigeration, data storage, thermal computing, and heat management of buildings.
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Briefs: Imaging
Rather than using supecomputers, heart function simulation can be performed at the CT scanner.
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Briefs: Imaging
Applications include characterizing additively manufactured components and baggage screening.
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Briefs: Wearables
Researchers developed a wearable technology that can hide its wearer from heat-detecting sensors such as night vision goggles, even when the ambient temperature changes. The technology can...
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Applications include mechanical aerospace manufacturing and thermal structure manufacturing.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Kirigami balloons could be used in shape-changing actuators for soft robots, minimally invasive surgical devices, and macro structures for space exploration.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
This system can be used for long-range or high-payload deliveries as well as search and rescue.
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Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
A low-frequency antenna with enhanced bandwidth will enable robust networking among compact, mobile robots.
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Briefs: Transportation
This detector could help robots, drones, and self-driving cars avoid collisions.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
This partially superconducting machine can be used as a motor or generator.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
These hands, with a large grasping force, enable safer human-robot interactions.
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