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Posted on 05/23/2025 8:07:44 AM PDT by Red Badger
In human trials, participants were able to detect Morse-code-like flickering from infrared LED sources and accurately judge the direction of the incoming signals.
In a major step toward wearable superhuman technology, researchers have developed contact lenses that allow mice and humans to see in infrared without requiring any power source.
The lenses enable simultaneous perception of both visible and infrared light, with applications ranging from security to assisting the visually impaired.
The team engineered soft contact lenses embedded with specialized nanoparticles that convert near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths (800–1600 nm) into visible light. These particles emit light in the 400–700 nm range—detectable by the human eye—allowing wearers to see sources of infrared illumination as glowing flickers or colored signals.
“Our research opens up the potential for non-invasive wearable devices to give people super-vision,” says senior author Tian Xue, a neuroscientist at the University of Science and Technology of China.
“There are many potential applications right away for this material. For example, flickering infrared light could be used to transmit information in security, rescue, encryption or anti-counterfeiting settings.”
Mice, morse code, and multi-color IR detection
The researchers first validated the lenses in mice. Infrared-illuminated mice with the lenses consistently avoided lighted zones in behavioral tests, showed pupil constriction in response to infrared light, and displayed brain activity in visual centers—strong signs of actual infrared perception.
In human trials, participants were able to detect Morse-code-like flickering from infrared LED sources and accurately judge the direction of the incoming signals. Intriguingly, vision improved when participants closed their eyes, because NIR light penetrates the eyelid with less interference from visible light.
Taking the technology a step further, the researchers tuned the nanoparticles to color-code different NIR wavelengths.
“It’s totally clear cut: without the contact lenses, the subject cannot see anything, but when they put them on, they can clearly see the flickering of the infrared light,” said Xue.
“We also found that when the subject closes their eyes, they’re even better able to receive this flickering information, because near-infrared light penetrates the eyelid more effectively than visible light, so there is less interference from visible light.”
Looking ahead: Better resolution and broader applications
Although groundbreaking, the current contact lenses have limitations. The close proximity to the retina scatters converted light particles, reducing image sharpness. To overcome this, the team also developed a goggle-style wearable using the same nanoparticle technology, which delivers higher-resolution infrared imagery.
“By converting red visible light into something like green visible light, this technology could make the invisible visible for color blind people,” says Xue.
Currently, the lenses only respond to strong NIR from LED sources. The researchers aim to boost sensitivity, enabling the detection of lower levels of ambient infrared radiation in natural environments.
“In the future, by working together with materials scientists and optical experts, we hope to make a contact lens with more precise spatial resolution and higher sensitivity,” concludes Xue.
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It sounds like science fiction. But I want UV.
Lol, You just beat me to it!!! I was on that exact image to add it here...
https://i.pinimg.com/736x/7d/dc/8b/7ddc8bf94af5a7d9d966943f4559ba6b—x-rays—s.jpg
So it sounds like “maybe” if you add IR illumination you can see in the dark with these?
Yep!............
I guess you will no longer have to use remote controlled vibrating anal beads to cheat at chess
That would be cool... :)
Ever put your cell phone camera up to a limo black tinted car window?
There’s already hand held IR detectors you can look thru to see IR signals and illumination. Burglars use them to get past IR security devices. Shows where the IR trip beams and IR camera illumination is.
No. I fear I’d get shot.
What happens?...................
The Morse code message spelled out Drink Your Ovaltine.
BKMK
You will have to try it, it will blow you away. It sees through it like daylight. It is almost like x-ray vision and removes the dark tint from the equation. My LE son in law taught me that one. Apparently it is used by first responders to look inside cars for victims, the dark tint will not let them see through it but the camera right up against the window will remove the tint and let you see surprisingly well inside.
But, it's OK if I still use them, right?
Yep, and every time you use your bionic power time slows down.
Like when you see boobs!
Do Robots Dream of Electric Sheep?............
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Do_Androids_Dream_of_Electric_Sheep%3F
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