Revolutionary contact lenses: Dark marriages with closed eyes possible!

Revolutionary contact lenses: Dark marriages with closed eyes possible!

Chinese researchers have developed a revolutionary type of contact lenses that enable it to see in the dark, even if the eyes are closed. According to OE24 , these lenses are able to convert long-wave infrared light in the wave area of ​​800 to 1600 nanometers into visible light. The developments are based on the use of tiny nanoparticles made of gold and sodium gadolinium fluoride that are integrated into the lenses.

Experiments on humans and animals have shown that subjects with these lenses were able to recognize morse patterns and geometric shapes. Tian Xue from the Chinese University of Science and Technology in Hefei noted that subjects without lenses could not see anything, but clearly recognized the infrared signals with lenses. The lenses work particularly effectively when the eyes are closed, since in this case the sensitivity to near infrared light increases by 3.7 times.

technical details and functionality

The new contact lenses work similarly to a "mini night vision device" that is worn directly on the eye. You do not need external energy sources or batteries. This is made possible by the unique mechanical and chemical properties of the materials that have the lentils in a simple design, but are highly functional, as scinexx reports. The models tested so far make it possible to recognize infrared radiation of LED lights, which shows the potential for numerous future applications.

In animal experiments, it was shown that mice with these infrared contact lenses achieved the ability to recognize infrared light and react accordingly. Their pupils and brains actively reacted to the infrared radiation, which was confirmed by MRI recordings that showed the activation of the visual brain regions.

future and potential applications

researchers plan to further optimize the technology in order to increase the sensitivity and spatial dissolution of the lenses. They currently only recognize infrared rays from LEDs, whereby goals also include the integration of thulium and neodymium ions in order to enable the light to be converted into visible colors. This could be particularly advantageous for color -blind people, since the technology could make it possible to convert red light into green light.

The international team hopes that research will not only be useful for personal vision aid, but also to bring innovative applications in the areas of security, medical diagnostics, as well as visual assistance technology for people with visual impairments. As Ingenieur , these lenses could open up future possibilities in communication and motion detection in the dark, which could be covered with a wide range of use.