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: Motion Control

Optical Gyroscope-on-a-Chip

The gyroscope is smaller than a grain of rice — about 500 times smaller than the current state-of-the-art device.

Briefs: Materials

Guiding and Harnessing Transition Waves in Multi-Stable Mechanical Structures

The domino effect is used to design deployable systems that expand quickly with a small push and are stable and locked into place after deployment.

Briefs: AR/AI

Machine Learning Software for 3D Printing

Manufacturers, medical device companies, and others can use this 3D printing software driven by artificial intelligence (AI).

Briefs: Software

Streaming Software Speeds Apps

Apps could take up less space on a smartphone and apps could download instantly.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Seeing Around Corners to Detect Object Shapes

Special light sources and sensors see around corners or through gauzy filters, enabling reconstruction of the shapes of unseen objects.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Relaxor Piezoelectric Single-Crystal Multilayer Stacks for Energy Harvesting Transducers (RPSEHT)

Applications include powering portable electronic devices and sensors, and harvesting waste mechanical energy for aircraft, automobile, and other transportation equipment.

Briefs: Materials

Additive Manufacturing Method for Sub-Microscale Three-Dimensional Structures

Applications include MEMS, microlattice fabrication, and other sub-microscale 3D structures with a broad range of materials.

Briefs: Communications

Laser Radio Transmitter

This device transmits data via a semiconductor laser, opening the door to ultra-high-speed WiFi.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

RFID-Based System Enables Internet of Things

The technology could help in elder care with sensors throughout a home.

Briefs: Energy

Coating Extends Lithium Metal Battery Life

The coating could make lightweight lithium metal batteries safe and long-lasting for the next generation of electric vehicles.

Briefs: Wearables

Device Harvests Energy from Low-Frequency Vibrations

A wearable energy harvesting device could generate energy from the swing of an arm while walking or jogging.

Briefs: Internet of Things

Machine Learning Algorithm Identifies Objects Using Microwaves

Hardware and software tweak microwave patterns to discover the most efficient way to identify objects.

Briefs: Defense

Material Combination Strengthens Body Armor

The new body armor can safeguard against even more powerful firearms during combat.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

High-Area Rapid 3D Printing

This new 3D printer can print an object the size of an adult human in just a couple of hours.

Briefs: Materials

Powder Particles for Corrosion Prevention in Rebar

The coating protects parking decks, bridges, concrete piers, offshore platforms, buildings, and cooling towers.

Briefs: Materials

Double-Sided Tape Rapidly Seals Tissues Together

The adhesive that binds wet surfaces within seconds could be used to heal wounds or implant medical devices.

Briefs: Materials

Soft, Flexible Materials with Enhanced Properties

These materials can be used in soft robotics, self-healing electronics, and medical devices.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Method for Electrospinning Customizable Nanofibers

The electrospun nanofibers are used for wound healing and 3D matrices for biological tissues.

Briefs: Communications

PLCs Directly Access Internet Information

The newest PLCs can directly access Internet resources, much like a mobile device, to obtain information for improving operations.

Briefs: Energy

Producing Cadmium Telluride Material for Solar Cells

A new method provides a more efficient, safer, and cost-effective way to produce cadmium telluride material for solar cells or other applications.

Briefs: Motion Control

Maximizing Safety in Advanced Battery Systems

Fuse devices enable circuit safety in high-power applications, such as motion control and alternative energy generation, in addition to electric vehicles.