Scientists have created contact lenses that can convert infrared light into visible light, enabling people to see in the dark and potentially helping colorblind individuals distinguish between colors. The invention uses nanoparticles to turn invisible wavelengths into visible ones, allowing wearers to perceive multiple infrared signals even when their eyes are closed.
The contacts don’t require an external power source and have shown promising results in experiments involving mice and humans. Researchers claim that these non-invasive wearable devices could provide “super-vision” and have potential applications in security, rescue, encryption, and anti-counterfeiting settings.
In tests, human participants wearing the contact lenses detected flashing Morse code-like infrared signals and were able to differentiate between different colors. The technology could convert red visible light into green, making it possible for colorblind people to see colors again. However, the contacts still have limitations, such as not capturing fine details, and further research is needed to improve their performance.
The team plans to work with materials scientists and optical experts to create a more precise contact lens that can capture finer details and provide higher sensitivity. If successful, this technology could revolutionize the way people perceive their environment, especially for those with color vision deficiency or low light conditions.
Source: https://futurism.com/new-contact-lenses-see-dark