Night vision contact lenses provide a look into the future of eyewear

Innovative contact lenses combine infrared and visible light for future eyewear.

: Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China have developed night vision contact lenses that enable perception of infrared light without obstructing natural visible light. These experimental lenses use upconversion nanoparticles to convert near-infrared light into visible RGB colors, thus enhancing visibility even in challenging conditions. The lenses could benefit color-blind individuals and find applications in smart devices and emergency situations, despite not yet producing sharp infrared images. The technology mirrors efforts in metasurface-based upconversion technology for lightweight, practical night vision gear.

Night vision technology, traditionally bulky and monochromatic, is being revolutionized through the development of new contact lenses that combine infrared and visible light capabilities. This innovation, pioneered by researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China, aims to transform the potential of eyewear by enabling users to perceive a broader spectrum of light, particularly infrared, without the need for cumbersome external power sources.

The lenses are designed to be transparent, allowing for the natural blending of infrared and visible light. Initial experiments have demonstrated the ability of these lenses to reveal previously hidden colors and patterns when viewed under near-infrared conditions. For instance, letters and objects appear in colors invisible to the naked eye when illuminated by near-infrared light, showcasing the lenses' unique capabilities.

https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(25)00454-4

The study, published in the journal Cell, details the use of upconversion nanoparticles, which are instrumental in converting light just outside the visible spectrum into visible red, green, and blue hues. Test subjects wearing these lenses were reportedly able to perceive colors and light beams considered invisible because of these nanoparticles, marking a significant advancement in visual technology for both humans and animals used in experiments.

Potential applications of this technology extend beyond night vision. By enhancing visibility in foggy or dusty environments and enabling smart devices to convey information through infrared light, these lenses could serve critical roles in emergency situations and assist individuals with visual impairments, such as color blindness. The technology further promises to maintain its functionality even when the wearer's eyes are closed, as infrared light can penetrate the eyelids more effectively than visible light.

The development and refinement of this technology parallels similar efforts by Australian researchers, who have explored metasurface-based technology to integrate infrared capabilities into everyday eyewear. These collective advancements are paving the way for thinner, lighter, and more versatile night vision products, with ongoing research focused on expanding access to the full spectrum of infrared light.

Sources: TechSpot, Cell

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