Overview

• Upconversion nanoparticles embedded in the lenses convert near-infrared wavelengths into visible red, green and blue hues.
• In human trials, participants identified flashing infrared light and its direction even with closed eyelids while retaining full sensitivity to visible light.
• Mouse tests confirmed infrared vision by showing pupil constriction and brain activity in visual processing regions when exposed to infrared light.
• The lenses currently detect only intense LED-projected infrared and lack the sensitivity and resolution to capture lower-level or detailed infrared signals.
• Researchers aim to enhance lens sensitivity and resolution to enable applications such as hands-free night vision for responders, military use and anti-counterfeiting detection.