Sensors & Test

Sensors/Data Acquisition

This is your resource for developments in smart sensor systems and data acquisition. Browse technical briefs, articles, and white papers on advanced applications in transducer technologies, detector systems, data acquisition, and sensor-related technologies.

Stories

Products: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

New on the Market: February 2020

Low-viscosity plastic; coin cell holders; oxidation-resistant coatings; and more.

Briefs: Communications

Atoms Can Receive Common Communications Signals

This atom-based receiver has the potential to be smaller and work better in noisy environments than conventional radio receivers.

Q&A: Semiconductors & ICs

Q&A: Electrically Conductive Coated Yarn for Wearable, Washable Fabrics

Drexel Professor Genevieve Dion is coating yarn with the highly conductive, two-dimensional material MXene.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Underwater Telecom Cables Used as Seismic Network

Fiber-optic cables could help scientists study offshore earthquakes and the geologic structures hidden deep beneath the ocean surface.

Briefs: Communications

Long-Distance LADAR System and Method

The system provides three-dimensional imagery of potential threats at closer ranges.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Ultrasensitive Vapor Detection System

This technology quickly and accurately identifies explosives, deadly chemicals, and illicit drugs.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Multimaterial Fiber “Ink” for 3D-Printed Devices

Filaments with embedded circuitry can be used to print complex shapes for biomedical and robotic devices.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

3D Printing of Plastics with Electrical Circuits

This innovation could lead to better drones, satellites, and biomedical devices.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Breathalyzer Detects Marijuana

The device determines if a driver is under the influence of marijuana.

Facility Focus: Communications

Facility Focus: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Explore Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA's first space flight complex.

Articles: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Products of Tomorrow

Life-saving sensors, soft hearing implants, and a new water-decontamination method

Articles: Communications

5G in Manufacturing: What’s Here and What’s to Come

5G has the potential to provide connectivity for a range of different uses in manufacturing.

Briefs: Imaging

Bomb Detection Method Detects Peroxide-Based Explosives

The ultra-fast method analyzes a wider range of materials than current thermal-based detection systems.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Low-Energy Device Rapidly Reroutes Light in Computer Chips

The switch is a major new step toward building a computer that uses light instead of electricity to process information.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

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.

NASA Spinoff: AR/AI

Biofeedback Loops Aim to Enhance Combat and Sports Training

Research in astronaut monitoring leads to virtual reality spinoffs.

Technology Leaders: Test & Measurement

Better Solutions for Testing and Measuring Compression and Extension Springs

Learn about the latest measurement technology designed to ensure accurate testing of helical compression and extension springs.

Blog: Sensors/Data Acquisition

3D Printing and Space Exploration: How NASA Will Use Additive Manufacturing

NASA is using the International Space Station as a testbed for 3D printing.

Blog: Sensors/Data Acquisition

CES 2020: A High-Tech Wine Dispenser and More Arrivals to the Smart Home

Here are five technologies that aim to add intelligence to the most surprising household objects.

Blog: Nanotechnology

A 'DEAnsect' Robot Takes 10 Hits from a Fly Swatter – And Survives

A fun way to show the robustness of a soft robot? Swat it.

Briefs: Power

Embedded Gas and Temperature Sensors for Extreme Environments

Innovative process control systems for improved efficiency and lower emissions in current and future fossil-fuel-based power systems and related applications require durable, embedded sensor technology that can operate at higher temperatures and in harsh conditions.