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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2070
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Briefs: Aerospace
This packaging provides protection for SiC sensors and electronics in harsh, hightemperature environments.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
This approach removes the limitation on peak power densities that exists for fiber lasers.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
This hands-on, educational tool highlights the properties of SMA wire.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
This retractable de-orbit device facilitates targeted re-entry, attitude and orbital control, and collision avoidance.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
This technology provides simultaneous ohmic contacts and the process to make them.
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Briefs: Imaging
The simulator could help in the development of new back braces.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
This optical switch controls the direction of light passing through optical fibers faster and more efficiently.
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Briefs: Automotive
A combination of additives shows promise for boosting battery performance in very cold or hot weather.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Technique Uses X-Rays to Detect Defective Computer Chips
This method also reverse-engineers computer chips to detect the chip’s purpose.
Briefs: Automotive
This multifunctional hybrid laminate composite can be used for residential and commercial construction.
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Briefs: Automotive
This invention is a highly stable, heat-treatable, and tunable material.
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Briefs: Energy
The nanogenerator also acts as a weather station.
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Briefs: Energy
RFID-based devices work in indoor and outdoor lighting conditions and could transmit data for years before they need to be replaced.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
The method could impact optical imaging, vision correction, and disease diagnosis.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Optically Fixable Shape Memory Polymers
These polymers can combine thermal and optically fixable shape memory.
Briefs: Defense
This low-profile ankle exoskeleton integrates into a shoe and fits under clothing.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
This technology could lead to the creation of fully functional quantum computers.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Heat-Regulating Material for Next-Generation Space Blanket
Squid skin inspires a new material with heat-regulating properties.
Briefs: Energy
Ultra-Thin Layers of Rust Generate Electricity from Flowing Water
When combined with saltwater, rust can be a source of electricity.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Transport Method Boosts Capacity of Heat Exchangers
A simple modification can improve the capability of turbulent heat exchangers by 500%.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
This technology has applications in sonar, range measuring, directional-force sensors, flow meters, and vibration/noise sensing and control.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
This innovation dynamically provides fast signal processing and precision measurement.
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Briefs: Energy
Washable Sensor Can Be Woven Into Materials
The device could impact composites manufacturing and health monitoring.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Stronger and flexible, polyimide aerogels provide insulation and structural support.
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Briefs: Data Acquisition
For decades, robots in controlled environments like assembly lines have been able to pick up the same object over and over again. More recently, breakthroughs in computer vision have enabled...
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Briefs: Energy
Undercooled metal technology was developed that features liquid metal (in this case, Field's metal, an alloy of bismuth, indium, and tin) trapped below its melting point in polished, oxide...
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Briefs: Energy
A process was developed for producing oxide perovskite crystals in flexible, free-standing layers. A two-dimensional rendition of this substance is intriguing because 2D materials have been shown to...
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Briefs: Imaging
Camera Enables Surgeons to More Easily Identify Cancerous Tissue
Many surgeons rely on sight and touch to find cancerous tissue during surgery. Large hospitals or cancer treatment centers may also use experimental near-infrared fluorescent agents that bind to tumors so surgeons can see them on specialized displays. These machines are costly, making...
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
A novel approach was developed to improve communications range and allow for covert behavior using a team of robots for future multi-domain operations. Specifically, researchers demonstrated...
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