US EditionInfrared Contact Lenses Enable Vision Beyond the Visible Spectrum
- Scientists from a Chinese research institution have created contact lenses that allow users to perceive infrared light by transforming it into visible wavelengths, enabling vision in low-light conditions without the need for additional power.
- This innovation follows earlier work injecting nanoparticles into mice eyes and aims to provide a less invasive alternative while enabling human infrared vision.
- The contact lenses are embedded with specially designed nanoparticles that absorb near-infrared light within the 800 to 1600 nm range and transform it into visible colors, enabling humans and mice to perceive infrared signals, including their direction and patterned flashes.
- Neuroscientist Tian Xue explains that subjects are unable to perceive any signals without the contact lenses, but once they wear them, they are able to detect flickering infrared light clearly. At present, these lenses are only capable of sensing strong infrared light emitted by high-intensity LED sources.
- While the lenses offer a power-free, lightweight alternative to night-vision devices, challenges remain in improving spatial resolution, sensitivity to ambient infrared, and addressing potential safety risks before wider applications.
56 Articles
56 Articles
The Independent
The Independent (US)Groundbreaking new contact lens lets people see even in dark
Researchers say trial participants could perceive information in infrared light even when they closed their eyes
They Create Infrared Lenses that Allow You to See in the Dark, Even with Your Eyes Closed
A multidisciplinary team of scientists has developed and tested contact lenses in humans and mice that convert infrared light into visible light and allow night vision, even with closed eyes. The lenses, designed by a team of neuroscientists and scientists specialized in materials from China and the University of Massachusetts, do not need a source of energy and allow the user to receive multiple lengths of infrared waves at the same time.
NewScientist
Anti-Aging, Acupuncture and Health NewsSpecial contact lenses let you see infrared light – even in the dark
Nanoparticle-infused contact lenses can transform infrared radiation into different colours of visible light, potentially enabling a new form of night vision – no batteries required
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