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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1980
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Briefs: Aerospace
This framework can be used by commercial and military aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
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: Imaging
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.
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Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs
The functional transistors are integrated with ferroelectric RAM.
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Briefs: Materials
This process turns carbon dioxide into carbon nanotubes with small diameters.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
The switch is a major new step toward building a computer that uses light instead of electricity to process information.
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Briefs: Transportation
This controller minimizes the burden on the power grid.
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Briefs: Test & Measurement
This system autonomously prepares samples for online automated analysis.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Wraparound Self-Structuring Leaky-Wave Antenna (WSS-LWA)
This system has applications in the smart grid and military.
Briefs: Materials
Bomb Detection Method Detects Peroxide-Based Explosives
The ultra-fast method analyzes a wider range of materials than current thermal-based detection systems.
Briefs: Materials
This rapid processing method produces stronger materials and heals lower-quality fibers.
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Briefs: Test & Measurement
Breathalyzer Detects Marijuana
The device determines if a driver is under the influence of marijuana.
Briefs: Materials
This coating acts as a spontaneous air cooler and can be fabricated, dyed, and applied like paint.
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Briefs: Materials
This innovation could lead to better drones, satellites, and biomedical devices.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Hybrid organic-inorganic materials transfer ultra-small, high-aspect-ratio features into silicon for next-generation electronic devices.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Filaments with embedded circuitry can be used to print complex shapes for biomedical and robotic devices.
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Briefs: Test & Measurement
This technology quickly and accurately identifies explosives, deadly chemicals, and illicit drugs.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
These materials may replace metals as lightweight, flexible heat dissipators in cars, computers, cellphones, and refrigerators.
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Briefs: Aerospace
This program enhances images and videos for smartphones, tablets, and PCs.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
The flat structure morphs into another shape when temperature changes, enabling self-deploying tents or adaptive robotic fins.
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Briefs: Imaging
The system provides three-dimensional imagery of potential threats at closer ranges.
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Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
Fiber-optic cables could help scientists study offshore earthquakes and the geologic structures hidden deep beneath the ocean surface.
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Briefs: Communications
CAESAR Plug-in for MagicDraw
Users can maintain the consistency of a flight system design.
Briefs: Materials
The films could be used in impact-resistant glazing, windscreens, and displays.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
This atom-based receiver has the potential to be smaller and work better in noisy environments than conventional radio receivers.
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Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
In some cases, radio frequency signals may be more useful for caregivers than cameras or other methods to collect health and behavioral data.
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Briefs: Defense
Equipment-free textile detectors could be used in public health, workplace safety, military, and rescue applications.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
This inexpensive system can detect lead levels below EPA standards.
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Briefs: Communications
Software portal solutions can connect legacy control systems and field devices to the cloud.
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