Imagine if physicians could capture three-dimensional projections of medical scans, suspending them inside an acrylic cube to create a hand-held reproduction of a patient’s heart, brain, kidneys, or other organs. Then, when the visit is done, a quick blast of heat erases the projection and the cube is ready for the next scan.

The study introduces a technique that uses a specialized light projector to imprint two-dimensional and 3D images inside any polymer that contains a photosensitive chemical additive the team developed. The light-based engraving remains in the polymer until heat is applied, which erases the image and makes it ready to use again.