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: Energy

Thin Films of Barium Zirconium Sulfide Offer Exceptional Electronic Properties

These thin films hold great promise for solar cells and LEDs.

Briefs: Energy

High-Performance, Piezoelectric, Hybrid Synthetic Jet Actuators

These actuators provide active flow control for airfoil surfaces and supersonic inlets of wing-borne vehicles.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Trunk Support Assists Those with Spinal Cord Injury

The device retrains patients with spinal cord injury to sit more stably and gain an expanded active sitting workspace.

Briefs: Motion Control

Spring Drive Fitting

Applications include valves, tubes, and other gas and fluid system components.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Improved Model Predicts Heat Loss in Gallium Nitride Semiconductors

This new understanding can help chip manufacturers find ways to better diffuse the heat that leads to device damage and decreased device lifespans.

Briefs: Materials

Copper Strengthens 3D-Printed Titanium

Titanium-copper alloys for 3D printing could create high-performance alloys for medical device and aerospace applications.

Briefs: Motion Control

Bio-Inspired Mechanics to Make Robots More Effective

This technology could impact new directions in robotics design.

Briefs: Energy

Slippery Surfaces Allow Sticky Pastes and Gels to Slide

An engineered surface treatment can reduce waste and improve efficiency in many processes.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Electrically Non-Conductive Ladder Fall Protection

This system protects workers on lightning and telecommunications towers, and on oil and gas platforms.

Briefs: Aerospace

Sensor Uses Microwaves to Determine Real-Time Ice Accumulation

The sensor makes it easier to detect and manage ice accumulation on aircraft wings.

Briefs: Materials

Production Method for High-Performance Polymer

A new composite nanoparticle catalyst produces a polymer to make body armor and other high-performance fabrics.

Briefs: Materials

Self-Cleaning, Non-Stick Coating

The coating can prevent the transfer of antibiotic-resistant superbugs and other bacteria in settings ranging from hospitals to kitchens.

Briefs: Materials

Multi-Objective Flight Control Optimization Framework

This framework can be used by commercial and military aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Briefs: Materials

3D Printing Technique Produces “Living” 4D Materials

3D/4D printing is merged with a chemical process to produce “living” resin, which has potential for recycling and biomedicine.

Briefs: Software

Augmented Reality System Lets Smartphone Users Interact with Virtual Objects

This system places virtual objects within real-world backgrounds on cellphone screens and lets people interact with those objects by hand as if they were really there.