Formation of magnetoconvection by photoabsorptive methods in ferrofluid layers

Abstract: A periodic concentration grating was induced in a layer of ferrofluid by photoabsorption and thermophoresis under the action of the applied uniform magnetic field. The application of the external field causes the appearance of an internal demagnetizing field within the layer and of magnetic forces due to the non-uniform distribution of concentration. The induced magnetic forces cause the appearance of parasitic microconvection within the layer. The experimental observations of the formation stage of the grating are interpreted to explain magnetoconvection, making use of numerical simulations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]