Researchers have developed innovative night vision technology that converts near-infrared light to visible light using contact lenses. The new system, designed by neuroscientists and materials scientists, uses nanoparticles to absorb near-infrared light and convert it into visible wavelengths.
The lenses successfully demonstrated the ability to allow mice to see both visible and near-infrared light without relying on any outside power source. In tests involving humans, participants showed the ability to detect Morse code-style infrared flickers and track the direction of infrared beams.
The contact lenses also feature a color-coding function, translating different infrared wavelengths into visible colors. This allows for subtle infrared vision and could help individuals with color blindness by converting invisible wavelengths into perceptible tones.
While the current system has limitations, including scattered light that limits resolution, researchers are working to enhance sensitivity and detection capabilities. Future development aims to create contact lenses with more precise spatial resolution and higher sensitivity, potentially opening up new applications for non-invasive wearable devices.
Source: https://thedebrief.org/scientists-develop-infrared-contacts-that-enable-sci-fi-style-night-vision-even-with-eyes-closed