Ultra-thin film could one day turn regular glasses into night vision goggles, researchers say

[Judi Lynn]

Developed by Australian and European researchers, the film works by converting infrared light into light visible to the human eye

Donna Lu
@donnadlu
Tue 15 Jun 2021 13.30 EDT

A transparent metallic film allowing a viewer to see in the dark could one day turn regular spectacles into night vision googles.

The ultra-thin film, made of a semiconductor called gallium arsenide, could also be used to develop compact and flexible infrared sensors, scientists say.

Though still a proof of concept, the researchers believe it could eventually be turned into a cheap and lightweight replacement for bulky night-vision goggles, which are used in military, police and security settings.

The film was developed by a team of Australian and European researchers, with details published in the journal Advanced Photonics. It works by converting infrared light – which is normally invisible to humans – into light visible to the human eye.

More:
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jun/16/ultra-thin-film-could-one-day-turn-regular-glasses-into-night-vision-goggles-researchers-say

[Bristlecone]

1. Neat! Would love a pair.

[Midnight Writer]

2. I'd like some of that on my home's windows.

[getagrip_already]

3. wouldn't it work both ways? n/t

[Chainfire]

4. Maybe, maybe not

Looking through them backwards may give X-ray vision.

I always wanted some of those X-ray vision glasses advertised in the comic books in the 60s. You know why!

If the film worked as described in the story, it would be an amazing breakthrough. Heck, we could turn off all of the street lights.

[getagrip_already]

5. I'd buy a pair even if the benefit was slight.....

IR sensors like those used in cameras still need an IR light source. They can't see in total darkness. FLIR can, but it is much more complex, and is tightly controlled by the gubberment (you can buy civilian models, but they have very low refresh rates and resolution compared to the military models used by the coast guard and PD's).

[cstanleytech]

6. Never made much sense to me which they nerf civilian tech such as GPS because it stands to reason

that foreign governments like China, Russia and India already have the ability to do something better anyway.