Graphene Takes Night-Vision Technology Beyond 'Predator'

Researchers have a new development that could take night vision technology beyond the abilities of the infrared vision seen in the 1987 classic, "Predator," starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. The new development involves graphene, which could lead to a flexible transparent and low-cost infrared vision system, according to a recent study.

Being able to see in infrared has enabled firefighter and military personnels to do their jobs at night, and in hazy and smoky conditions. However, many infrared vision systems require various coolings systems to filter background noise or radiation and to create genuine images. As a result, the design of these imaging devices becomes costly and bulky,

To make this process simple, a team of researchers created a new method that involved graphene, with silicon microelectromechanical systems (known as MEMS), to create their device, according to a news release. The researchers found that the device can be used to detect a person's heat signature at room temperature, without necessary cooling. A thermal sensor based with graphene enables it to be transparent and flexible, according to the researchers.

This new method could reduce the cost of production and make the process much simpler.

This study was published in ACS journal Nano Letters.

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