UV light patterns thermochromic crystals without damage, unlocking color-changing designs

Color-changing mood rings, forehead fever strips and car-shade indicators all change hues as they warm and cool, thanks to a phenomenon called thermochromism.

On a smaller scale, thermochromism is used in nanotechnologies like sensors, electronics and computing.

These applications require smart materials that can be patterned into designs without losing structural integrity, which can be difficult. ...