Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China have developed contact lenses that can sense infrared light and convert it into a visible image—without batteries or external power. This became possible thanks to rare-earth nanoparticles embedded in a flexible lens material.
Initial tests on mice and humans showed that the lenses allow wearers to see in the dark and even through closed eyelids, because infrared light passes through them better than through conventional lenses. The lenses can be tuned: they are able to “translate” different parts of the infrared spectrum into different colors. This offers hope for people with color blindness—an actual step toward more accessible and inclusive optics.
The technology could lead not only to safe navigation in the dark without bulky devices, but also to solutions for people with visual impairments, as well as to new artistic formats by changing what it means to “see.”
