Scientists have created contact lenses that enable infrared vision in humans and mice by converting infrared light into visible light. Since the contact lenses are transparent, users can see both infrared and visible light simultaneously, though infrared vision was enhanced when participants had their eyes closed. The lenses were created by infusing them with nanoparticles that convert near-infrared light in the 800-1,600 nanometer range into shorter-wavelength, visible light that humans can see in the 400-700 nanometer range. It is estimated that the lenses cost about $200 US dollars per pair to make.
Night-vision goggles use an electronic image-intensifier tube to turn visible light or near-infrared photos into electrons. These electrons are then channeled onto a luminescent screen causing it to glow green. These night time goggles normally use an energy source which makes them bulky. The new contact lenses scientists are currently working on avoids these limitations and offer infrared images. The lenses are still under construction since the embedded nanoparticles scatter light, the images the lenses create are blurry. Scientists tried to correct this problem by putting the technology into glasses with additional lenses that redirect light. Additionally, the lenses work differently from night-vision goggles. While night-vision goggles amplify light to detect weak infrared signals, these lenses only reveal strong infrared sources such as LEDs, which are extremely bright.
These contact lenses could be used to transmit information in security, rescue, encryption, or anti-counterfeiting settings. Doctors could use them during near-infrared fluoresce surgery to directly detect and remove cancerous lesions. The contact lenses are far from being finished but once they are open to the public would you try them out?
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Hey Alex!
ReplyDeleteAs someone with terrible eyesight, this is very fascinating! Using such technology in surgery could bring up new procedures that allow surgeons to find tumors easily. Other than medical procedures, could these be used as an everyday technology? To the average person it might not seem much, but what about those with an impaired vision (partial/complete blindness)? It would be interesting to see how either glasses or contact lenses could help with heat detection and movement. With each pair being about $200, I am eager to see how this price could rise when it becomes approved either in medicine or for potential use in those with visual impairments.
The idea that contact lenses could let you see infrared,even with your eyes closed, is wild. I never would’ve thought something so small could do what bulky night-vision goggles usually handle. The fact that the lenses can convert infrared light into visible light right on the eye is pretty mind-blowing. The possible uses are super interesting too. I can totally see this being helpful in search-and-rescue situations or even in surgeries where doctors need to spot cancerous tissue. I would definitely be interested in trying them out. $200 seems pretty affordable, I wonder if they will become pretty common in the future.
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