At a Glance
- Scientists have created contact lenses embedded with nanoparticles that allow humans and mice to see infrared light by converting it into visible wavelengths detectable by the naked eye.
- The lenses detect near-infrared light between 800 and 1600 nm and function without an external power source, producing visual and neurological responses in test animals.
- This breakthrough marks the first non-invasive method enabling infrared vision, demonstrated by behavioral and brain activity changes in mice exposed to infrared illumination.
- The lenses can distinguish between multiple infrared wavelengths by color-coding them into visible hues, offering potential benefits for color-blind individuals and practical applications in security and rescue.
- Although currently limited to infrared light from LED sources, researchers are working to increase sensitivity and adapt the technology for high-resolution infrared glasses.
A team of scientists has developed contact lenses that allow humans and mice to see infrared light, a part of the electromagnetic spectrum that is usually invisible to the naked eye. This breakthrough research, published in Cell, involves a unique type of nanoparticle integrated into flexible, non-toxic polymers. These contact lenses absorb infrared light and convert it into visible wavelengths, allowing wearers to perceive infrared signals just like they would see visible light. This technology could have many practical applications, such as security, search and rescue, and anti-counterfeiting measures.
The contact lenses use nanoparticles specifically designed to detect near-infrared light, which is light in the 800–1600 nm range, just beyond the visible spectrum. This is the first time a non-invasive method has been developed to enable humans and animals to detect infrared light without needing a power source, like in infrared night vision goggles. In the experiments, mice wearing the contact lenses showed clear behavioral changes, such as avoiding brightly illuminated infrared areas. When exposed to infrared light, the mice’s pupils constricted, and their brains showed activity in areas linked to visual processing.
In addition to detecting infrared light, the contact lenses allow wearers to distinguish between different wavelengths of infrared light. For example, infrared light at 980 nm is converted into blue light, 808 nm into green light, and 1532 nm into red light. This color-coding feature could be especially beneficial for individuals with color blindness, as it allows them to see different infrared wavelengths that they would otherwise miss.
While the current technology is limited to detecting infrared light from LED sources, the researchers are working to improve the lenses’ sensitivity to lower levels of infrared light. They are also exploring the possibility of using the same nanoparticle technology in wearable glasses for higher-resolution infrared information. This advancement could revolutionize how humans interact with the world, providing new ways to perceive otherwise invisible information.
References
- Ma, Y., Chen, Y., Wang, S., Chen, Z.-H., Zhang, Y., Huang, L., Zhang, X., Yin, F., Wang, Y., Yang, M., Li, Z., Huang, K., Fang, X., Li, Z., Wang, M., Liu, W., Li, J.-N., Li, L., Zhao, H., … Xue, T. (2025). Near-infrared spatiotemporal color vision in humans enabled by upconversion contact lenses. Cell, S0092867425004544. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2025.04.019
- Cell Press. (2025, May 22). Infrared contact lenses allow people to see in the dark, even with their eyes closed. Phys.Org; Cell Press. https://phys.org/news/2025-05-infrared-contact-lenses-people-dark.html
