Humanity’s perception of reality may soon expand beyond its natural limits, as scientists at the University of Science and Technology of China have unveiled groundbreaking contact lenses that allow wearers to see infrared light.
This revolutionary “super-vision” technology, detailed in the journal Cell, offers a glimpse into a future where the unseen becomes visible, with potential applications ranging from enhanced vision to aiding those with color blindness.
Unlike bulky, power-hungry night vision goggles, these transparent contact lenses require no external power source, seamlessly integrating infrared vision with the wearer’s normal perception of visible light. This simultaneous sight allows for a more natural and less intrusive experience, opening up new possibilities for everyday use.
Professor Tian Xue, a neuroscientist leading the research, expressed his enthusiasm for the breakthrough, stating the work “paved the way for a range of contact lenses, glasses and other wearable devices that give people ‘super-vision.’”
He also highlighted the technology’s potential to assist individuals suffering from color blindness, converting wavelengths they cannot perceive into visible hues.
The human eye is remarkably limited, able to perceive less than one hundredth of a percent of the electromagnetic spectrum.
“Over half of the solar radiation energy, existing as infrared light, remains imperceptible to humans,” noted Dr. Yuqian Ma, a researcher on the project.
While animals like birds, bees, and even some snakes and bats possess enhanced visual capabilities, humans have historically been restricted to the narrow band of 400 to 700 nanometers.
The key to this technological leap lies in “upconversion nanoparticles.” These ingenious particles absorb infrared light and then re-emit it as visible light.
For this study, the team focused on near-infrared light – wavelengths just beyond human perception – converting it into visible red, green, or blue light.
Previous attempts to grant infrared vision involved invasive procedures, such as injecting these nanoparticles directly under the retina in mice.
Recognizing that this approach “may not be readily accepted by humans,” the researchers pivoted to a non-invasive strategy, embedding the upconversion nanoparticles directly into soft contact lenses.
Initial human trials have shown promising results. Wearers of the prototype lenses were able to discern Morse code-like signals transmitted by an infrared LED and accurately determine the direction of infrared light.
Interestingly, their infrared vision improved when their eyes were closed, as eyelids block visible light more effectively than infrared, minimizing interference.
While the current lenses are not sensitive enough to perceive natural, low levels of infrared light, nor do they provide thermal vision (as warm objects primarily radiate in the far-infrared), the scientists are optimistic about future advancements.
Professor Xue believes that “If materials scientists can develop upconversion nanoparticles with higher efficiency, it may become possible to see surrounding infrared light using contact lenses.”
Even without full infrared vision, the immediate applications are intriguing. Xue suggested that secret messages sent via infrared light could be exclusively visible to those wearing the specialized contact lenses, offering a new frontier in discreet communication.
Furthermore, the potential to assist colorblind individuals by translating unseen wavelengths into perceptible colors represents a significant step towards a more inclusive visual experience.
