New Technology Allows Lenses To Change Color Rapidly

New technology allows lenses to change color rapidly

www.eurekalert.org...
Public release date: 12-Jul-2011

UConn scientist's electrochromic lenses can be used in sunglasses and has captured the interest of the US military...as a way to assist soldiers who need to be able to see clearly in rapidly changing environments.

The process for creating the lenses, for which a patent is pending, also is less expensive and less wasteful to manufacturers than previous methods.

The typical material behind a color changing lens is what's called a photochromic film, or a sheet of polymers that change color when light hits them. Sotzing's new technology does things slightly differently – his electrochromic lenses are controlled by an electric current passing through them when triggered by a stimulus, such as light.

"They're like double pane windows with a gap between them," explains Sotzing. He and his colleagues squirt a mixture of polymers – or as he calls it, "goop" – in between the layers, creating the lens as it hardens. The mixture of polymers used in this lens, says Sotzing, creates less waste and is less expensive to produce than previous mixtures.

Another benefit of this material is that it can change colors as quickly as electricity passes through it – which is virtually instantaneously. This process could be very useful for the military, Sotzing says. For example, if a person emerges from a dark passageway and into the desert, a lens that would alter its color instantly to complement the surroundings could mean life or death for some soldiers.

Currently in talks with sunglass manufacturers, Sotzing says that the world of Hollywood could have a market for this technology. He describes applications he calls "freaky," including colors that move back and forth across the glasses, evoking styles like those sported by Lady Gaga....

That would be pretty sweet to get one of those goggles for snowboarding purposes! It would be nice to be able to change the reflective lenses depending on the amount of light on the hill.

On a side note, I could definitely see the military being interested in this technology. I am sure it could also be used for space walking purposes too.

I LOVE TECHNOLOGY!!!

How clever. You can definitely see its military uses. I expect the major airlines will also be interested in looking into this for their pilots. Hopefully it will be made available to civvy street in the near future. Would love to have contact lenses with the same quality.

reply to post by Maskirovka


If that was the case with contact lenses, then I would imagine more reptilian conspiracies on the horizon Just a thought for ATS members

The military would want it for frequency agile laser goggles.

All I want is a pair of red metallic scleral lenses for gag purposes.

I'm not sure they make them. I do have some camo scleral lenses I had made a few years back as part of a halloween costume. Cost too damn much.

Originally posted by Skywatcher2011
reply to post by Maskirovka

 

If that was the case with contact lenses, then I would imagine more reptilian conspiracies on the horizon

Just a thought for ATS members

Check here about halfway down under scleral lenses, you need a pair of "dragon" lenses for the next ATS meeting. LOL

reply to post by Bedlam


good lord those are cool contacts! I just wonder how safe they are for your eyes

Originally posted by Skywatcher2011
reply to post by Bedlam

 

good lord those are cool contacts! I just wonder how safe they are for your eyes

They're actually quite comfortable and safe, as long as you take care of them properly.

The newer mirror surface ones are supposedly not for long term use.

I had camo scleral contacts made by 9mmsfx some time back as part of an insane ghillie suit rig for Halloween. Painted my teeth, too. Probably wouldn't do either again, but I'd still like red mirror metallic lenses for the shock value. Maybe some dark gold ones too.