Apr/100
Night Vision Could Soon Become Available on Eyeglasses
Whenever you think about night vision, you probably imagine a bulky pair of goggles or even bulkier binoculars. Well, not anymore, as it seems a slim and very lightweight night vision technology is in the making, according to Slashgear.
At the University of Florida, scientists have managed to build a new night vision technology based on the existing flat screen tech. What this new technology will do is replace the heavy, power eating gear used in the present in order to see in the dark with a thin film. Because this film is very thin and light, it will be applicable on most models of glasses, windshields, you name it.
The flexible film has been developed by Franky So and when combined with LED technology that we can find on current screens, it can convert infrared light into visible images. Not only is this new film incredibly light and consumes very little power because of its thinness, but it is also cheap to build. The main material behind it is plastic and it will give the same greenish image you are used to seeing in all nigh vision equipment nowadays.
The article on the Discovery News website reveals more information about this new film developed at the University of Florida. It appears that seven separate layers of plastic are used in creating the film and only the first one will detect the infrared light.
This does not necessarily mean next time you go to the local Laser Tag arena, everybody will have night vision equipment, but it means that when the technology is ready for mass marketing, you will probably be able to spoil yourself with some night vision glasses. Or perhaps a new windshield for your car, so that you can pretend you are driving a tank.