Photoisomerization of an azobenzene gel by pulsed laser irradiation.

A decalin gel consisting of a 3,3'-bis[{(octylamino)carbonyl}propoxy]azobenzene derivative with H-aggregation showed a photon-density dependent E-Z isomerization, indicating the cooperating isomerization of each module.

Photoresponsive dithienylethene-urea-based organogels with "reversed" behavior.

Dithienylperhydrocyclopentene-bisurea-based low molecular weight gelators are described that function as photoresponsive organogels that show a remarkable gel-to-liquid transition upon irradiation. The two series of derivatives, with and without alkyl spacers between the urea hydrogen bonding groups and the photochromic unit, show different gelation behavior. Upon UV irradiation of the gels, a gel liquified at only 1.

Photoresponsive rolling and bending of thin crystals of chiral diarylethenes.

Dithienylhexafluorocyclopentene with (R)- or (S)-N-phenylethylamide substituents formed rod-like and 0.2-1.0 microm-thick platelike crystals by sublimation; upon UV irradiation, the crystals bent concavely to the incident light and finally rolled crystals were obtained; the bent crystals were reconverted to flat crystals by visible light irradiation.