Japanese Researchers Identify a Rare Crystal that Color-shifts and Melts under Light

A team of chemists from Osaka University in Japan has made an intriguing discovery: they have identified a rare crystal that exhibits a unique property of melting when exposed to ultraviolet light. The researchers have documented their findings in a recently published paper featured in the esteemed journal Chemical Science.

Upon investigating this crystal, the researchers observed that it undergoes a fascinating transformation in its luminescence levels as it melts, with molecular-level changes occurring in its structure. While this phenomenon, known as a photo-induced crystal-to-liquid transition (PCLT), is uncommon, the researchers note that there are other substances that exhibit similar behavior.

By studying the peculiar behavior of this rare crystal, scientists hope to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying processes. This newfound knowledge could potentially unlock a wide range of exciting applications for similar crystals in various fields such as electronics, photonics, and even drug delivery. The implications of this research could pave the way for innovative advancements in these areas.

In a fascinating video shared by the researchers, the transformative nature of the crystal becomes evident when observed under a fluorescence microscope. Upon initial exposure to light, the crystal emits a subtle green glow. However, as the exposure continues, the green hue gradually transitions to yellow, ultimately leading to a slow melting process.

The researchers remain uncertain about the precise mechanism behind the observed melting in this rare crystal. It is evident that heat is not the catalyst, as the light does not induce any temperature elevation in the crystal’s material. Instead, the researchers have identified a molecular transformation occurring within the crystal, specifically involving the diketone SO, shifting from one molecular form to another.

Interestingly, the researchers have noticed that while some crystal compounds exhibit melting behavior, others do not. Additionally, none of the melting crystals undergo any noticeable color changes. These distinctions indicate that the molecular alterations in this rare crystal differ from those observed in other crystals.

Further exploration of this phenomenon will provide valuable insights into the underlying principles governing such transitions. Perhaps future studies will unveil similar transformations in lunar crystals, once researchers are able to examine them more extensively. However, the specific causes and the range of crystals susceptible to these changes remain uncertain at this stage.