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: Semiconductors & ICs
This eye-on-a-chip can help treatment of dry eye disease.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
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: Materials
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: Wearables
This technique can be used by people who are paralyzed or have neurodegenerative diseases.
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Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
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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Briefs: Wearables
In place of flat breadboards, 3D-printed CurveBoards enable easier testing of circuit design on electronics products.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
A new encapsulation technique protects electronic properties of sensitive materials.
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Briefs: Nanotechnology
Pop-up miniature electronics based on the Japanese art of kirigami can be repeatedly compressed.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
This material could be used for artificial muscles that power bio-inspired robots.
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Briefs: Nanotechnology
Aerogels based on cellulose nanofibers can effectively shield electromagnetic radiation over a wide frequency range.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
This process could lead to tiny, self-powered devices for environmental, industrial, or medical monitoring.
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Briefs: Medical
Inspired by parasites, the tiny needles could help eliminate painful shots.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Additive manufacturing creates cooling solutions with sizes and shapes not previously possible.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
This method provides a key step toward quantum computers, sensors, and distributed quantum information.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
This system encodes information in twisting beams of light.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Self-powering, color-changing humidity sensors are applicable to various fields including smart windows, health care, and safety management.
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Briefs: Materials
Empa researchers were able to demonstrate real-time acoustic monitoring of laser weld seams.
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Briefs: Energy
A remote forest fire detection and alarm system is powered by nothing but the movement of trees in the wind.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Designed to assist in robotic surgeries, biomedical devices can be printed in and on the human body.
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Briefs: Wearables
A new type of motion capture technology accurately tracks an athlete during the push start phase of performance.
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Briefs: Data Acquisition
Researchers tackled the problem using a geophysical measurement called seismic anisotropy.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
One unexpected application for spider silk is its use in the creation of biocompatible lenses.
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Briefs: Transportation
University of Colorado researchers have described a new silicon chip that improves the resolution and scanning speed needed for a lidar system.
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