A new reversible photoresponsive system using a photophysical process is presented and proved in detail. 1,n-bis(3-(1-pyrenyl)propylcarboxy)oxaalkanes (DP3n: n ) 3 to 6), linear oligooxyethylenes with pyrenyl groups at both ends, were shown to form a relatively stable cyclic structure analogous to a crown ether in fluid solution during their photoexcited states, occurring due to the formation of an intramolecular excimer between two terminal pyrenyl groups. Moreover, DP34 molecules were found to capture and transport cadmium ions more effectively when they were irradiated. Accordingly, these compounds are referred to as photoinduced crown ether compounds (PICs) because they work as a crown ether when irradiated and they can select metal ions to capture according to their diameters. Our study is the first to attempt to use excimers to fix the conformation of a molecule for relatively long periods and to put this photophysical process to practical use.