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We proposed an in situtechnique based on X-ray fluorescence spectrometry to measure the composition of a high-temperature solution in a crucible. The sample holder for this technique was composed of carbon, which is transparent to X-rays. Using the present technique, equilibrium compositions of zinc in a gallium solution were measured. The results agreed well with the liquidus curve of the Ga-Zn phase diagram, and thus the validity of this technique was proved.

Temperature-driven convection in 25 wt% NaCl aqueous solution was observed in situunder a static and homogeneous magnetic field of 10 T. The convection in the solution was visualized using polystyrene latex particles of 5 µm diameter. A magnetic field of 10 T reduced the velocity of convection by a factor of two. Magnetic damping of convection in an electrolyte solution could be a useful technique to control the growth of crystals such as proteins.