Natural dye to protect our eyes from harmful laser
- Scientists have found that the natural indigo dye extracted from the leaves of a plant of the bean family is capable of protecting human eyes from harmful laser radiation.
- The blue dye is extracted from Indigoferatinctoria or the famed Indigo plants.
- The researchers extracted the dye and stored it in a refrigerator below 4º Celsius to preserve its natural properties.
- It could be used to develop optical limiters useful in weakening the potentially harmful radiation and protecting the human eyes or other sensitive optical devices from accidental damage in an environment where such lasers are in use.
- Although synthetic indigo dyes are now available, the natural variety also is in common use.
- It is extracted from the leaves of the plant, following standard protocols in scientific laboratories.