Biology-based enhanced vision using light amplification and adaptable to thin films
Inventors
Assignees
Arizona State University ASU • Arizona State University Downtown Phoenix campus
Publication Number
US-10775301-B2
Publication Date
2020-09-15
Expiration Date
2036-02-03
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus relating to light amplification technology that has the ability to transform and amplify light to be seen in the visible spectrum by the user (FIG. 2). The biologically-based light amplification system including a reaction center, a proton gradient area, and a light amplification area, and may be configured such that light entering the system through the reaction center produces a proton gradient, which in turn acts upon reactants in the proton gradient area, and then causes a product to enter the light amplification area and thereby drive a bioluminescent or phosphorescent reaction to amplify the light The methods and apparatus use solely biological processes without any external power supply.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to vision enhancement methods and apparatus employing a biologically-based light amplification system. This system includes a reaction center, a proton gradient area, and a light amplification area. The device is configured such that light entering through the reaction center produces a proton gradient, which then acts upon reactants in the proton gradient area, resulting in the production of a product that enters the light amplification area and drives a bioluminescence or phosphorescent reaction to amplify the light. The technology operates solely via biological processes and does not require any external power supply.
The problem addressed by the invention is that current night vision devices depend on high voltage power supplies and rely on electrical and chemical amplification processes that create bulky devices, limiting their adaptability to thin films or wearable formats. Existing devices, such as those using photocathodes and micro-channel plates, transform photons to electrons, amplify them, and reconvert them to visible light, which necessitates bulky components and power sources.
By utilizing entirely chemical reactions leveraging biological components, this invention enables the amplification and transformation of ambient and infrared light into visible spectra, specifically converting IR (800–900 nm) light to blue-green (400–500 nm) visible light. The compact design allows the technology to be incorporated into thin films or contact lenses, expanding its usability to applications such as lightweight, wearable night vision devices. The method uses immobilized reaction centers from photosynthetic bacteria, NAD+, flavin mononucleotide, and luciferase-driven chemical amplification to generate visible light from low-light environments without external electrical input.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains three independent claims, each introducing inventive features for vision enhancement using biologically-based light amplification.
Biologically-based light amplification system for vision enhancement
A vision enhancement device comprising: - A biologically-based light amplification system including a reaction center, a proton gradient area comprising the reactants Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) and flavin mononucleotide, and a light amplification area. - The reaction center is formed by photosynthetic bacterial components that generate a proton gradient from incident light. - The device is configured so that light entering through the reaction center initiates the proton gradient, which then acts on the reactants in the proton gradient area, producing flavin mononucleotide (FMNH2). - FMNH2 is directed into the light amplification area, where a bioluminescence or phosphorescent reaction is initiated to amplify the light. - The reaction center, proton gradient area, and light amplification area are operationally coupled.
Method for low-light or night vision enhancement using biological light amplification
A method for enhancing vision under low light or night conditions, comprising: 1. Amplifying light using a biologically-based light amplification system with components: a reaction center, a proton gradient area containing NAD+ and flavin mononucleotide, and a light amplification area. 2. The configuration is such that incident light triggers the reaction center to produce a proton gradient. 3. The proton gradient acts on reactants in the proton gradient area, producing FMNH2, which then enters the light amplification area. 4. A bioluminescence or phosphorescent reaction occurs in the light amplification area, further amplifying the light for enhanced vision.
IR light vision enhancement device using biochemical amplification
An infrared (IR) light vision enhancement device comprising: - A biologically-based light amplification system including a reaction center, a proton gradient area comprising NAD+ and flavin mononucleotide, and a light amplification area. - The reaction center uses photosynthetic bacterial components to create a proton gradient in response to light. - The proton gradient acts on reactants to produce FMNH2. - FMNH2 is directed to a light amplification area, where a bioluminescence reaction is triggered to amplify the IR light to visible output. - All regions (reaction center, proton gradient area, light amplification area) are coordinated in function and structure.
The inventive features focus on using biological components and processes to amplify light—converting IR or low ambient light into visible light—by leveraging bacterial reaction centers, proton gradients, and bioluminescent chemistry, all without external electrical power.
Stated Advantages
The device does not require an external power supply, allowing for compact and lightweight construction.
Greater signal gain is achieved compared to standard micro-channel plates used in current night-vision devices.
The technology enables miniaturization so that night vision devices can be produced as thin films or contact lenses.
Documented Applications
Use of vision enhancement devices for night vision needs, including embodiments as contact lenses.
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