Researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China have developed wearable contact lenses that can allow people to see in the dark without using night-vision goggles. The lenses use nanoparticles that enable the wearer to see near-infrared light, which penetrates more effectively through the eyelid than visible light. This technology has real-world applications, including enhancing vision in poor visibility conditions and integration into smart devices for rescue and emergencies.
The contact lenses work by combining flexible polymers with nanoparticles, allowing people to decipher pattern images, even when their eyes are closed. Senior author Tian Xue notes that the technology converts red visible light into something like green visible light, which could help those with color blindness. The potential benefits of this technology extend beyond individuals with visual impairments, as it also enables non-invasive wearable devices to provide people with super-vision.
While the concept may seem like a comic book plotline, the research has significant implications for various industries and applications. With its real-world uses, including infrared information encoding and transmission, this technology is set to revolutionize the way we perceive and interact with our environment.
Source: https://people.com/infrared-contact-lenses-super-vision-allow-people-see-with-eyes-closed-11741089