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: RF & Microwave Electronics

Novel Antenna Concept for CubeSat Platforms

While this technology was designed for CubeSats, it may be utilized in any technology that utilizes a structural frame, such as drones.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Earphone Tracks Facial Expressions, Even with a Facemask

The device can translate expressions into emojis or silent speech commands.

Briefs: Power

16-Atom Molecular Motor

The tiny motor can be powered by both thermal and electrical energy.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Tethered Drones Improve Cellular and Internet Networks

Wire-connected drones may complement or replace the fixed base stations of cellular communications networks.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Tactile Robot Finger with No Blind Spots

This robotic finger has a highly precise sense of touch over a complex, multi-curved surface.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Flexible, Sturdy Robot “Grows” Like a Plant

The robot’s extendable appendage can wind through tight spaces and then lift heavy loads.

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

Toroidal Radiation Pattern Patch Antenna

The antenna is designed for use in extreme conditions such as outer space.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

High-Performance, Lightweight, Easy-to-Fabricate Heat Exchanger

This can be used in energy-recovery systems in industrial, space, automotive, and military applications.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

Technology Aids Surgeon-Guided Robotic Hands

This method enables users to control their robotic fingers precisely enough to gently land on fragile surfaces.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Fine-Pointing Optical Communication System Using Laser Arrays

This technique for optical data transmission from satellites uses laser arrays to provide fine pointing capability.

Briefs: Aerospace

Aircraft Thermal Heat Conduction Method

The thermal management technology could also be used for server farms and spacecraft.

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

Multirotor Aircraft Noise Reduction

NASA's phase-locked rotors reduce noise.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

3D Camera Merges Depth and Spectral Data

The camera collects the spatial and spectral information required for self-driving cars, machine vision, corrosion detection, and other applications.

Briefs: Communications

Terahertz Receiver for 6G Wireless Communications

The device enables ultra-fast wireless communications at low cost.

Briefs: Lighting

Atomically Thin Light-Emitting Device for Invisible Displays

Invisible displays on walls and windows would be bright when turned on but invisible when turned off.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Vortex Radiometer for Wireless Communications

Any high-performance communication systems operating in RF or optical frequencies may benefit from this system.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Glove-Like Device Mimics Sense of Touch

The soft, wearable device simulates the sense of touch and has wide potential in medical and industrial applications.

Briefs: Nanotechnology

Nanoscale Thermal Switches

These switches are key to thermal management of nanoscale devices, refrigeration, data storage, thermal computing, and heat management of buildings.

Briefs: Imaging

Using Computer Tomography Images to Simulate Heart Function

Rather than using supecomputers, heart function simulation can be performed at the CT scanner.

Briefs: Imaging

3D X-Ray Imager for 3D Object Retrieval

Applications include characterizing additively manufactured components and baggage screening.

Briefs: Wearables

Device Camouflages Wearer from Heat-Detecting Sensors

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...

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

SpaceCube 2.0 Flight Card Mechanical System

Applications include mechanical aerospace manufacturing and thermal structure manufacturing.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Programmable Balloons for Shape-Morphing Devices

Kirigami balloons could be used in shape-changing actuators for soft robots, minimally invasive surgical devices, and macro structures for space exploration.