The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation Season 7 Episode 29 Liquid Eyeglasses
- August 21, 2021
The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation is a weekly television series that showcases modern-day advancements and inventions in science and technology inspired by the innovations of the past. The show explores the latest breakthroughs across the globe, focusing on the most exciting and cutting-edge technological updates that could potentially transform our lives.
In season seven, the episode twenty-nine, titled "Liquid Eyeglasses," host Mo Rocca will showcase an incredible new invention that has the potential to revolutionize the eyewear industry. The episode will take viewers on an exciting journey through the world of liquid lenses and the advancements that have been made in creating this futuristic technology.
The episode begins with Mo Rocca meeting with Dr. Levi Thompson, a chemical engineer and inventor who has created a liquid lens that can be used for eyewear. Dr. Thompson explains that the breakthrough technology of liquid eyeglasses is based on the principle of refraction. The technology uses a droplet of fluid that is placed between two clear membranes. When a current of electricity is applied to the droplet, it changes shape and alters its refractive index, thereby changing the optical properties of the lens.
Dr. Thompson and his team of researchers have designed a liquid lens that can be manipulated and controlled through electrical charges. This allows the user to switch between focal points, making it an ideal choice for people with multiple vision problems.
In the show, viewers will get to witness the production process of these liquid lenses, which are made from silicones and other materials. The research team has also worked on developing a process through which these lenses can be mass-produced. This will enable them to be made available to the public at an affordable price.
Next, the episode visits the headquarters of Wavetec Vision Systems, a company that develops state-of-the-art vision testing equipment. Mo will meet with the CEO of Wavetec, Dr. Marc Albanese, who will demonstrate how the company's technology is being used to test the performance of liquid lenses. The testing equipment is able to simulate different distances and lighting conditions to give a more accurate and reliable assessment of the lenses' capabilities.
The episode then features a visit to a local optometrist to see the lenses in action. The optometrist puts the liquid lenses to the test and shows how they adjust to different magnifications. Mo Rocca also meets with patients who have used the lenses and have had remarkable success. They talk about their experiences and how the lenses have helped them to improve their vision.
In the final segment of the episode, the show takes a deeper dive into the future of liquid eyewear products. Mo Rocca interviews Dr. Thompson and other experts who discuss the potential applications of this technology beyond the eyewear industry.
For instance, the lenses have already been adopted in the field of telescopes and have been used to develop innovative imaging systems. The potential for this technology to be applied to cameras, microscopes, and other fields is immense. The possibilities are endless, and the researchers are optimistic that the technology will continue to evolve and become more widespread.
Overall, the episode of The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation, "Liquid Eyeglasses," is an informative and fascinating exploration of one of the most groundbreaking technologies in the world of optics. It highlights the ingenuity and innovation of the human mind and the amazing progress that is being made in the field of science and technology.