Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China have developed the world’s first infrared contact lenses, allowing humans to see infrared light without the need for bulky night-vision goggles. The lenses use nanoparticles to convert near-infrared light into visible light, enabling users to see rich, multi-colored infrared images. While the technology has its limitations, the researchers foresee several potential applications, including anti-counterfeit detection and near-infrared fluorescence surgery.
Forecast for 6 months: The development of infrared contact lenses is expected to spark significant interest in the medical and security industries, leading to increased investment and research in this area. We predict that several companies will begin exploring the commercialization of these lenses within the next six months.
Forecast for 1 year: As the technology advances, we expect to see the first practical applications of infrared contact lenses in the medical field, such as improved cancer detection and treatment. Additionally, the security industry will begin to adopt these lenses for anti-counterfeit detection and surveillance purposes.
Forecast for 5 years: The widespread adoption of infrared contact lenses is expected to revolutionize various industries, including healthcare, security, and manufacturing. We predict that these lenses will become a standard tool for medical professionals, security personnel, and quality control specialists.
Forecast for 10 years: By the end of the decade, we expect infrared contact lenses to be a ubiquitous technology, with applications extending beyond the medical and security fields. The development of more advanced materials and manufacturing techniques will lead to improved lens performance, increased affordability, and expanded use cases.
