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Diarylethene microcrystals make directional jumps upon ultraviolet irradiation

Journal Article · · Journal of Chemical Physics
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.2429061· OSTI ID:20868208
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  1. Laboratoire de Spectrometrie Physique CNRS UMR5588, Universite Grenoble I (France)

Microcrystals of a diarylethene {l_brace}1,2-bis[5{sup '}-methyl-2{sup '}-(2{sup ''}-pyridyl)thiazolyl]perfluorocyclo-pentene {r_brace} undergo jumps upon photoirradiation. These photochromic crystals present molecular structural changes upon irradiation with ultraviolet light because of reversible photocyclization reactions. When the energy absorbed by crystals reaches about 10 {mu}J, the uniaxial stress induced in the crystal lattice relaxes through directional jumps. If one prevents crystals from jumping, then parallel, equidistant cracks appear on crystal surfaces. These photomechanical effects could result from a Grinfeld surface instability.

OSTI ID:
20868208
Journal Information:
Journal of Chemical Physics, Journal Name: Journal of Chemical Physics Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 126; ISSN JCPSA6; ISSN 0021-9606
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English