Infrared Contact Lenses Enable Night Vision or Eyelid Closure

Researchers have created prototype infrared contact lenses that enable users to see in the dark or even with their eyes closed.

The innovative prototype, developed by the University of Science and Technology in China, incorporates nanoparticles that transform infrared light into visible light.

Contact lenses infused with nanoparticles were provided to volunteers as part of the study recently published in the journal Cell. Participants successfully detected a flashing signal from infrared rays, which are normally invisible to the naked eye.

The transparent lenses permitted participants to perceive both visible and infrared light simultaneously.

“We discovered that when subjects close their eyes, near-infrared light penetrates the eyelids more efficiently than visible light, allowing us to capture this flickering information more effectively,” stated Tian Xue, the lead researcher from the University of Science and Technology in China.

These nanoparticles absorb near-infrared (NIR) light with wavelengths ranging from 800 to 1600 nanometers, which is beyond human visual perception. They then re-emit this light within the visible range of 400 to 700 nanometers.

Currently, near-infrared light is utilized in active night vision goggles, which illuminate the environment with infrared rays and convert that light into a visible format for users.

However, if you’re hoping to see the world as “faithfully” portrayed in Predators, you may be disappointed—longer wavelengths are required for that effect.

At present, the contact lenses are sensitive enough to detect light emitted from infrared LEDs.

While the lenses initially struggled to capture fine details, the research team was able to enhance this capability by using an additional set of glasses.

Nanoparticles can be modified to emit light in various colors, improving the clarity and interpretation of infrared images. There may even be potential to alter visible light performance.

“By converting red visible light to green visible light, this technology could become invisible to those who are colorblind,” explains Xue.

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