Graphene-Infused Contact Lenses may Create Infrared Vision

Though it certainly sounds like something out of a Sci-Fi thriller, contact lenses with infrared vision may not be too far off, according to researchers from the University of Michigan.

In fact, scientists will work to turn the optical capabilities of graphene in order to create this new product.

Graphene is known as a substance that can detect light from the infrared spectrum with a visible ultraviolet light. However, as graphene is only one-atom thick, it can only absorb 2.3 percent of the light hitting it. This is often not enough to generate an electrical signal, according to researchers.

"The challenge for the current generation of graphene-based detectors is that their sensitivity is typically very poor," said Zhaohui Zhong, assistant professor at the University of Michigan, in a press release. "It's a hundred to a thousand times lower than what a commercial device would require."

Researchers devised a new method to better generate the electrical signal that uses an amplified current found near the electrical signals, and generates incoming light instead of trying to measure electrons that are exposed to it.

The new graphene chip has 100 times the sensitivity of those previously used, which makes the quality of the images produced more visually appealing.

"If we integrate it with a contact lens or other wearable electronics, it expands your vision," Zhong added, via the release. "It provides you another way of interacting with your environment."

If the new eye wear goes into production, many may soon be seeing more than nature ever intended.

What do you think?

More information regarding the study can be found via the journal Nature.