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: Sensors/Data Acquisition
This approach could engineer quantum materials atom-by-atom for new electronic, magnetic, and sensing applications.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
The software assesses the quality of parts in real time, without the need for expensive characterization equipment.
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Briefs: Unmanned Systems
Taking a cue from birds and insects, the wing design helps drones fly more efficiently and makes them more robust to atmospheric turbulence.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
This method could impact optical technologies such as smartphone cameras, biosensors, or autonomous vision for robots and self-driving cars.
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Briefs: Software
The algorithm provides an extra layer of safety and security against hackers of electronic devices.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Traditional spark plugs are replaced by an optical pumping source.
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Briefs: Transportation
This battery would enable a 10-minute electrical vehicle recharge.
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Briefs: Communications
The tiny unit is significant for the miniaturization of optoelectronic systems.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
This method can be used in astronomy, surveillance, and optics manufacturing.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
“EasyPass” would enable smart warehouses, automated factories, and more to operate without delays.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Perovskites could be the active ingredient that makes the next generation of low-cost, efficient, lightweight, and flexible solar cells.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
To make electronic components smaller, semiconductor 2D materials are combined with new types of insulator materials.
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Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs
Neuromorphic computing uses memristors that could function and operate like real brain synapses.
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Briefs: Green Design & Manufacturing
Open source microcontroller technologies in industrially hardened form factors address critical applications.
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Briefs: Aerospace
This capability will optimize performance of the vehicle through different phases of flight.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
A soft hydrogel, driven by an oscillatory chemical reaction, produces an autonomous integrated pump for microfluidic applications.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
This mini robot improves precision and control of teleoperated surgical procedures.
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Briefs: Imaging
The instrument has uses in photography where the goal is to image a dim object near a bright one.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
This eye-on-a-chip can help treatment of dry eye disease.
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Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs
The newest version of these combs could revolutionize clocks, telescopes, and telecommunications.
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Briefs: Medical
Smartphone App Detects Early Signs of Eye Disorders in Children
The CRADLE app allows parents to screen their children for eye disorders more often throughout their development.
Briefs: Wearables
Smart devices measure electrical signals from the skin, indicating stress levels and emotions.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
The sensor could provide a way to detect communication signals over the entire radio frequency from 1 to 100 GHz.
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Briefs: Test & Measurement
Laser light induces ultrasonic vibrations in a sample that can be used to image cells, blood vessels, and tissues.
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Briefs: Medical
Biomaterial Shields Against Harmful Radiation
A new form of melanin can protect human tissue from X-rays during medical treatment or spaceflight.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Applications include high-speed communications, networking, and sensing.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
This technique can be used by people who are paralyzed or have neurodegenerative diseases.
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Briefs: Data Acquisition
This method of machine learning could make communications in the unlicensed bands much more efficient.
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Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
Flat-panel technology could transform antennas, wireless, and cellphone communications.
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