Colorado chemists develop invisible tattoo ink visible under UV light
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have created photochromic tattoo ink that remains hidden until activated by ultraviolet light.
Photochromic dyes change color with light
The new inks use photochromic dyes that alter their molecular shape when exposed to energy. Two or three seconds of bright UV light triggers a chemical change in the pigment. This process switches a colorless substance into a colored one within seconds.
Designs appear after brief activation
Scientists created various motifs including a lantern and multicolored fish scales using this technology. The tattoos stay visible until white light is used to switch them off again. These compounds have previously been utilized in color-changing sunglasses for years.
Reported by one outlet
Only one outlet has published this. Nothing here has been checked against a second report, so read it as that outlet's account and follow the link below for the original.
Reported by
1 independent outlet. Headline as published. Links open the original report.