Researchers at Dartmouth College, in collaboration with Southern Methodist University, have developed a groundbreaking technique that enables any polymer to act as a reusable projector for erasable 3D images. This breakthrough paves the way for new possibilities in science and imaging technology as it leverages light to create erasable 3D images.
Converting polymers into projectors
According to a study, researchers have successfully developed a photosensitive chemical additive to enhance the optic properties of polymers. The modified polymer detects light from a specialized light projector to display two- and three-dimensional images. With this, the image stays in the polymer until it is erased by applying heat. It is then ready to be reused. Researchers made sure that their findings did not remain confined to laboratories or research centers. The technique uses widely available polymers such as acrylic cubes with the light-sensitive chemical “switch.”
Two compounds make up the switch: azobenzene, which is photosensitive, and boron difluoride, which enhances the optical properties of the switch. The projector beams the treated polymer with wavelengths of red and blue light from various angles. Each of the lights functions differently: the red light activates the switch to produce an image, while the blue light erases it. Preliminary testing carried out by the researchers resulted in the production of high-resolution images that were up to six inches thick.
Ivan Aprahamian, professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry and co-corresponding author on the paper, describes the process as something “like 3D printing that is reversible.” Aprahamian further explains, “You can take any polymer that has the optimal optic properties—that is, it’s translucent—and enhance it with our chemical switch. Now, that polymer is a 3D display. You do not need virtual reality headsets or complicated instrumentation. All you need is the right piece of plastic and our technology.” Slices of 2D images are embedded into a polymer until they combine to form a 3D image.
Future uses
The readily available equipment of this recently discovered technology makes its application versatile. From using it in hospitals to capture 3D projections of medical scans to create designs for architectural purposes, this technology may come in handy wherever precise imagery display is needed.
“The technology is intended for any situation where having detailed, precise visual data in a compact and easily customizable format could be critical,” says Aprahamian, “Such as planning surgeries and developing architectural designs. The device also could be used for generating 3D images for education and even creating art.”
By and large, the researchers have successfully made a mark in the world of technology with the development of a groundbreaking technique that produces two and three- dimensional images on polymers. Future research will aim at refining this process to have a greater impact in a wide spectrum of industries from healthcare to architecture and even art.
According to Alex Lippert, professor of chemistry at SMU and co-corresponding author of the study, scaling up may include increasing image quality, “Scaling up requires tuning the chemical switch properties to improve resolution, contrast, and refresh rate.” He further added, “The projector system can, in principle, be scaled up and developed into a turnkey system with automated hardware and associated software for easy use.’
Photo credits: The images used are owned by Ivan Aprahamian and have been provided for press usage with his permission for TechAcute.
