Chapter 1: Introduction to PhotoChromeleon Ink

Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed by the choices of colors when purchasing items like cars or shoes? What if you could avoid making a permanent choice? Researchers at MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) have unveiled an innovative color-changing ink that can be “reprogrammed” with light, allowing users to create different colors and patterns as desired, with no limit on the number of changes.

This revolutionary ink, known as “PhotoChromeleon,” is composed of a blend of various polychromatic dyes that can be applied to nearly any surface. The team started by combining conventional automotive lacquer with cyan, yellow, and magenta dyes, each of which shifts color when exposed to UV light.

By blending these three dyes, the researchers have developed a paint capable of producing a vast array of colors. They have mastered the science of how each dye interacts with light, enabling precise control over each color channel. This approach mirrors how modern inkjet printers utilize separate cartridges of cyan, magenta, and yellow inks to generate virtually any hue imaginable.

The team has put this programmable ink to the test on different items such as shoes, phone cases, and even a toy chameleon. The video below illustrates how the clear ink transforms as a DLP projector shines intense light onto the surface of the object while it rotates on a turntable. However, creating a pattern on smaller items in the lab does require several hours of work. The final result is a vivid layer that appears to have been painted on—but the beauty of it is that you can modify the “paint job” whenever you desire.

This advancement builds upon MIT's previous ColorMod project, which utilized a 3D printer to craft objects capable of changing colors. In that earlier experiment, each “pixel” had to be created individually, resulting in less clear patterns. In contrast, PhotoChromeleon produces sharp images and allows for a quick “reset” of the ink using ultraviolet light.

MIT envisions that the PhotoChromeleon technology could enhance manufacturing efficiency and minimize waste. Imagine a scenario where you no longer need to purchase multiple pairs of shoes in different colors; instead, you could simply reset the color and switch it whenever you choose. Tired of your phone case? Rather than buying a new one, you could change its design with just a beam of light. MIT is already collaborating with Ford to further develop the PhotoChromeleon project, which also played a role in the creation of ColorMod.

Chapter 2: Applications and Future Prospects

In the first video, “Photo-Chromeleon: Re-Programmable Multi-Color Textures Using Photochromic Dyes,” you’ll see how this ink can change colors and patterns through innovative techniques.

The second video, “RK61 SOFTWARE - HOW TO DOWNLOAD, SET MACROS AND LIGHTING EFFECTS,” provides further insights into the software aspect that complements such technology, illustrating the potential for enhanced user customization.