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: Motion Control
The magnetic, multi-material pump was 3D-printed all in one piece.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
The material could be used in smart textiles, medical devices, and tissue engineering.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
These implants can provide doctors with regular activity updates and are powered by the patient’s movement.
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Briefs: Energy
A customizable smart window harnesses and manipulates solar power to save energy and cut costs.
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Briefs: Medical
High-Performance, Low-Field MRI for Cardiac and Lung Imaging
The system could enhance image-guided procedures that diagnose and treat disease and make medical imaging more affordable and accessible.
Briefs: Materials
The material can be scaled for use in ultra-efficient, power-dense, electric vehicle traction motors.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
The robot blocks jump, spin, flip, and identify each other.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Detector Senses X-Rays Over a Broad Energy Range
New materials generate precise X-ray images with a lower amount of exposure.
Briefs: Materials
Orange peels are used to extract and reuse metals from lithium-ion batteries to create new batteries.
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Briefs: Internet of Things
Printable organic photodiodes can distinguish wavelengths and enable data transmission by light.
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Briefs: Materials
This material could reduce persistent plastic accumulation in the environment.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
This sensor makes it possible to ensure that such systems more closely mimic the function of real organs.
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Briefs: Energy
Adaptable automation reduces manufacturing time and costs.
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Briefs: Materials
Other applications include cosmetics, 3D printing, and drug formulations.
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Briefs: Aerospace
The material can be used in power electronics and power converters for solar energy power systems.
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Briefs: Green Design & Manufacturing
The system is effective in urban environments where there are tall buildings on all sides.
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Briefs: Aerospace
The flexible composites can be used as thermal insulation for environments of up to 1200 °C.
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Briefs: Materials
This versatile new material family could build realistic prosthetics and futuristic Army platforms.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Using radar commonly deployed to track speeders and fastballs, the automated system “sees” around corners to spot oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
This technology enables robots, electronic devices, and prosthetic devices to feel pain through sense of touch.
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Briefs: Automotive
The sensors can be built into the shells of aircraft, cars, or other machines.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
The sensor provides accurate and real-time measurement of flow rates and temperature in next-generation microfluidic instruments.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
The sensor enables detection of items for security screening, intrusion detection, forensics, and medical imaging.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Applications include biomedical imaging, remote sensing, and heliophysics research.
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Briefs: Wearables
The dye, delivered along with a vaccine, could enable “on-patient” storage of vaccination history.
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Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs
The technology detects the presence of one or more specific chemical components in a liquid.
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Briefs: Imaging
Infrared Detectors Enhance Night-Vision Cameras
The ability to enhance night vision could improve what can be seen in space, in chemical and biological disaster areas, and on the battlefield.
Briefs: Medical
Cancer treatment could be dramatically improved by precisely locating the edges of tumors during surgery to remove them.
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Briefs: Test & Measurement
The network is designed for remote, low-resource locations where power and communications infrastructure are scarce.
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