ANU scientists design nanocrystals that can be used in more efficient night vision glasses

Researchers from the Australian National University have developed nanocrystals which can be used to amplify, shape or change the colour of light. Thin films of the nanocrystals can be created, which opens up the possibility of sleeker night vision goggles. Current night vision goggles are demanding when it comes to a power source, and are bulky. The film created with the nanocrystals can potentially be used to make night vision gear that is as light as regular spectacles. Ms Camacho-Morales from the Nonlinear Physics Centre at ANU says “his is the first time anyone has been able to achieve this feat, because growing a nano semiconductor on a transparent material is very difficult.” Professor Neshev from the Nonlinear Physics Centre, ANU Research School of Physics and Engineering says “The nanocrystals are so small they could be fitted as an ultra-thin film to normal eye glasses to enable night vision.”

The crystals are 500 times thinner than a human hair. This is a landmark achievement in the field of nanophotonics, according to co-researcher Dr Mohsen Rahmani. The nanocrystals can be combined with lasers to make displays or used as security holograms on banknotes, or as imaging cells in medical applications.