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5h ago

Infrared Contact Lenses Enable Vision Beyond the Visible Spectrum

Chinese scientists have developed contact lenses that convert infrared light into visible images, offering potential applications in security and medical fields despite current limitations in clarity and sensitivity.

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Overview

  • The lenses use nanoparticles embedded in soft polymers to convert near-infrared light (800–1,600 nm) into visible wavelengths (400–700 nm).
  • Wearers can detect flashing infrared signals and light direction, with enhanced performance when eyes are closed due to reduced interference from visible light.
  • Initial trials in humans and mice confirm functionality, but current prototypes only detect intense infrared sources like LEDs and produce blurry images.
  • Potential applications include security, anti-counterfeiting, and medical imaging, with further research aiming to improve sensitivity and resolution.
  • The lenses, costing approximately $200 per pair, are non-toxic and could also assist color-blind individuals by translating imperceptible wavelengths into visible hues.