5 Ws: Materials

5 Ws of the Internal Injury-Sealing Patch

A medical patch can be folded around minimally invasive surgical tools and delivered through airways, intestines, and other narrow spaces.

Briefs: Imaging

Technologies Make 3D Cameras Easier to Use

These technologies help compress 3D camera files and automate focus and exposure settings.

Products: Electronics & Computers

Product of the Month: April 2021 Tech Briefs

The GVC1001 computer features dual 10-GigE ports for gigabit Ethernet camera or other sensor inputs.

Application Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Precision Position Feedback for Smart Manufacturing

There is a growing demand for direct-drive motors.

Q&A: Energy

Q&A: Electricity-Free Cooling

Professor Qiaoqiang Gan of the University at Buffalo (NY) and his team developed a unique two-in-one system that uses solar energy for simultaneously cooling and heating — without electricity.

Blog: AR/AI

With A.I., Robotic Exoskeletons Gain Self-Control

Robotics researchers are developing exoskeleton legs capable of thinking and making control decisions on their own using sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

Articles: Imaging

3D Display — No Headset Required

Learn about a variety of holographic 3D immersive displays.

Technology Leaders: Nanotechnology

Micro-Cameras Bring New Video Applications into Focus

Powerful, tiny cameras provide unique streaming-video solutions for NASA robots and defense applications.

Products: Photonics/Optics

New Products: March 2021 Photonics & Imaging Technology

Near-eye displays, optical inspection systems, UV glass, and more.

Application Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Hyperspectral Cameras and Data Quality

Any hyperspectral system needs to maintain a stable and accurate radiometric and spectral calibration.

Application Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

The Sensing Systems That Make ADAS Work

See what kinds of sensors are supporting self-driving vehicles.

Briefs: Motion Control

Keeping Drones Flying When a Motor Fails

Onboard cameras can be used to keep damaged quadcopters in the air and flying stably, even without GPS.

5 Ws: Imaging

5 Ws of the Smartphone Camera COVID-19 Test

With a smartphone camera, a new diagnostic test provides a positive or negative COVID-19 result in 15 to 30 minutes.

Products: Test & Measurement

Product of the Month: March 2021 Tech Briefs

By design, new 3D scanners are motionless during inspection.

Products: Test & Measurement

New on the Market: March 2021

Vision software, thermal sensors, ceramic pastes, and more.

Facility Focus: Robotics, Automation & Control

Facility Focus: NASA Langley Research Center

See how NASA Langley tests a variety of advanced aircraft concepts. including ways to make flying both cleaner and quieter.

Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs

Semiconductor Detector Identifies Radioactive Isotopes with High Resolution

The device has applications in medical diagnostics and homeland security.

Articles: Photonics/Optics

Photonics West 2021 Preview

The virtual event offers a mix of live plenary talks, on-demand technical presentations and discussions, online networking and special events.

Briefs: Nanotechnology

3D-Printed Smart Gel Changes Shape When Exposed to Light

The invention can become color-changing “artificial muscle.”

Briefs: Wearables

Laser Printing Technology for Waterproof E-Textiles

The next generation of waterproof smart fabrics can be laser-printed and made in minutes.

Articles: Robotics, Automation & Control

Perseverance on Mars: The Journey Begins

Perseverance is the first leg of a round trip to Mars.

INSIDER: Photonics/Optics

High-Speed Infrared Reveals Safer Hypergolic Propellant

When SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule splashed down off the Florida coast in August following its first crewed mission, the two astronauts inside could not exit the capsule...

INSIDER: Imaging

New Fiber Optic Temperature Sensing Approach Could Keep Fusion Power Plants Running

The pursuit of fusion as a safe, carbon-free, always-on energy source has intensified in recent years, with a number of organizations pursuing aggressive...

INSIDER: Photonics/Optics

New Products: March 2021 Photonics & Imaging Insider

IR and UV Optics

Edmund Optics (EO) (Barrington, NJ) has released Zinc Selenide (ZnSe) Wedged Windows, which are ideal for infrared (IR) applications, and TECHSPEC® Calcium...

INSIDER: Photonics/Optics

SoloHI Imager Captures Rare Shot of Venus, Earth, Mars, and Uranus

The European Space Agency’s (ESA) and NASA’s Solar Orbiter Heliospheric Imager (SoloHI) recently recorded an image showing three of the four inner rocky planets. The...