Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have designed a pair of shades that are the ultimate in cool, but not just for their look. These lenses quickly convert from eyeglasses to sunglasses — at your command.
The lens is comprised of electrochromic polymers that would be controlled by a small electrical charge. When activated by the user, the charge alternates the electrochromic lens between clear and dark shades — which could be tailored to match all hues available in commercial sunglasses — within seconds.
The researchers argue the new lenses would be preferable to currently available transitioning eyeglass lenses, which often take minutes to adjust to light and may not adjust at all to reflected sunlight or if the user is driving or wearing a hat.
The report, included in the latest edition of the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, says the new technology could particularly benefit pilots, security guards and other occupations that require quick changes in lighting.
The Georgia Tech researchers also said the lenses were made through a process of inkjet printing and blade-coating, which could easily be scaled up for large-scale manufacturing.
Scientists Create Eyeglasses That Change Into Sunglasses — Within Seconds
The lens is comprised of electrochromic polymers that would be controlled by a small electrical charge. When activated by the user, the charge alternates the electrochromic lens between clear and dark shades — which could be tailored to match all hues available in commercial sunglasses.
Feb 3, 2015