In situ observation of laser-induced convection of benzene solution of photochromic compound in high magnetic fields

In situ observation of thermal convection of a benzene solution of a photochromic compound, 1,2-dicyano-1,2-bis(2,4,5-trimethyl-3-thienyl)ethene (CMTE), was carried out in vertical high magnetic fields. When a CMTE solution is irradiated using a UV laser from the bottom of a vessel, CMTE undergoes photoisomerization to its photoisomer (PI) and the color of the PI solution changes from pale yellow to red. At zero field, the PI solution formed on the bottom surface of the vessel is removed at a 5 s delay after laser excitation and then moves upward. At - 1300 T(2)m(-1), it is removed at a 9 s delay and moves upward, whereas at + 1000 T(2)m(-1), it does at a 3 s delay, moves upward and then finally moves downward. All these results are discussed in terms of the magnetic force in the CMTE/PI solution.