Scientists Develop Infrared Contacts That Enable Sci-Fi-Style Night Vision--Even With Eyes Closed

Chrissy Newton·May 24, 2025

Scientists have developed an innovative new night vision technology that converts near-infrared light to visible light using specialized contact lenses.

In recent tests involving mice and humans, these newly developed lenses successfully demonstrated the ability to allow mice to see both visible and near-infrared light, without relying on any outside power source. The new technology is reminiscent of the visual systems depicted in popular science fiction films like the Predator franchise.

Designed by neuroscientists and materials scientists, the contact lenses use engineered nanoparticles that absorb near-infrared light (800–1600 nm) and convert it into visible wavelengths (400–700 nm). This allows the wearer to see flickering infrared signals and distinguish directional light.

“Our research opens up the potential for non-invasive wearable devices to give people super-vision,” said lead author Tian Xue, a neuroscientist at the University of Science and Technology of China, adding that the new technology has “many potential applications”.

“For example, flickering infrared light could be used to transmit information in security, rescue, encryption or anti-counterfeiting settings,” Xue said.

More:
https://thedebrief.org/scientists-develop-infrared-contacts-that-enable-sci-fi-style-night-vision-even-with-eyes-closed/