Synthesis,optical, dielectric,thermal and mechanical properties of a nonlinear optical amino acid crystal: Bis-glycine hydrobromide

A semi organic material Bis-glycine hydrobromide (C₄H₁₁N₂O₄⁺Br⁻) has been synthesized by slow solvent evaporation technique. The grown crystal was subjected to single crystal X-ray diffraction studies and its crystal parameters were confirmed. The FTIR analysis confirms the presence of various functional groups present in the title compound. The Kurtz powder second harmonic generation test shows that the crystal is a potential candidate for optical second harmonic generation. The UV–vis spectrum reveals the transparency of the crystal and enumerates the direct band gap energy of the material. The dielectric constant and the dielectric loss were studied as a function of frequency. The thermal studies indicate that the material is thermally stable up to 290 °C. The hardness number was calculated to be 110 kg/mm² from the Vicker's microhardness test.     

Unidirectional growth,optical, mechanical and dielectric studies on a novel NLO crystal: l-Arginine 4-nitrophenolate 4-nitrophenol dihydrate

The bulk single crystal of l-arginine 4-nitrophenolate 4-nitrophenol dihydrate (LAPP), an efficient organic NLO material of size 74 mm in length, 18 mm in diameter, was grown successfully by Sankaranarayanan–Ramasamy (SR) method. Single crystal X-ray diffraction study reveals that LAPP crystallizes into monoclinic system with the space group P2₁. The unidirectional growth along the plane (1 1 0) was confirmed from the powder XRD pattern with the sharp peak having maximum intensity. Optical absorption spectrum shows that LAPP has highly transparent in the entire visible and IR region with a wide band gap of 3.9 eV for large photon absorption. Vickers micro hardness measurement was performed to know the mechanical strength of the crystal. Dielectric profile of LAPP at room temperature brings forth low value of dielectric loss and dielectric constant at higher frequencies. Photoluminescence study reveals that LAPP exhibit green emission in the wavelength region 538 nm. The SHG efficiency of the crystal is measured by Kurtz's powder test using Nd:YAG Laser.     

Effect of Ag substitution on the electromagnetic property and microwave absorption of LaMnO3

La_1−xAg_xMnO₃ perovskites with different doping Ag-content were prepared by the sol–gel method. The electromagnetic characteristics and microwave loss behavior of these ion-doped rare-earth manganites were studied in the 2–18 GHz frequency range. The microstructure and morphology of the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The complex permittivity spectra, the complex permeability spectra and microwave reflection loss were measured by a microwave vector network analyzer system. The XRD patterns show that the crystalline perovskite main phase ABO₃ is formed and impurity phases disappear when calcined at 1100 °C, and Ag metal as an impurity phase appears when excessive Ag⁺ is doped. The SEM image indicates that many of the La_0.85Ag_0.15MnO₃ particles are fiber-like or ellipsoidal. Magnetic loss and dielectric loss coexist and cooperate in microwave attenuation by moderate substitution of Ag⁺ for La³⁺. The microwave absorption property of the La_0.85Ag_0.15MnO₃ sample is enhanced with the bandwidth below −10 dB at about 6 GHz and the peak value of reflection loss is near −25.0 dB at the layer thickness of 2 mm.     

Investigation of the optoelectronic properties of columbite ZnNb2O6 crystal

A high-quality ZnNb₂O₆ single-crystal grown by optical floating zone method has been used as a research prototype to analyze the optoelectronic parameters by measuring the absorption coefficient and transmittance spectra along the b-axis from 200 nm to 1000 nm at room temperature. The optical interband transitions of ZnNb₂O₆ have been determined as a direct transition with a band gap of 3.84 eV. The refractive index, extinction coefficient, and real and imaginary parts of the complex dielectric constants as functions of the wavelength for ZnNb₂O₆ crystal are obtained from the measured absorption coefficients and transmittance spectra. In the Urbach tail of 3.16–3.60 eV, the validity of the Cauchy–Sellmeier equation has also been evaluated. Using the single effective oscillator model, the oscillator energy E_o is found to be 4.77 eV. The dispersion energy E_d is 26.88 eV and ZnNb₂O₆ crystal takes an ionic value.     

Growth,optical, mechanical,dielectric and theoretical properties of picolinium maleate NLO single crystal

Nonlinear optical single crystals of picolinium maleate (PM) were grown by slow evaporation method. The grown crystal was subjected to single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis to confirm that the crystal belongs to the monoclinic crystal structure with space group P2₁/c. The optical transmission range of the grown crystal was measured by UV–Vis–NIR region with the lower cut-off wavelength as 330 nm. The optical bandgap is found to be 3.75 eV. Mechanical strength of the grown crystal was analyzed using Vickers microhardness tester. Dielectric constant and dielectric loss of picolinium maleate are measured in the frequency range from 50 Hz to 5 MHz at different temperatures. Further, electronic properties, such as valence electron plasma energy, Penn gap, Fermi energy and electronic polarizability of the grown crystal have been estimated.     

Investigation of crystallographic sites of Eu in La2BaZnO5 by site-selective laser-excitation spectroscopy

La₂BaZnO₅:Eu³⁺ (0.05 mol%) was prepared by a solid-state reaction at high temperature. X-ray powder diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of single phase La₂BaZnO₅. Luminescence properties of La₂BaZnO₅:Eu³⁺ are investigated by site-selective laser-excitation and emission spectroscopy at 18 K. Two different crystallographic sites for Eu³⁺ corresponding to the La³⁺ and Ba²⁺ sites are identified from the ⁷F₀→⁵D₀ excitation spectra obtained by monitoring the ⁵D₀→⁷F_J (J=1, 2, …, 6) emissions. It is found that Eu³⁺ substituted for the Ba²⁺ ion experiences stronger crystal-field strength than Eu³⁺ substituted for the La³⁺ ion. Energy transfer between the two crystallographic Eu³⁺ centers is investigated by luminescence decay curves at 18 K.     

Optical properties of Dy ions in sodium gadolinium tungstates crystal

Dy³⁺-doped NaGd(WO₄)₂ crystal with sizes of about Φ20×40 mm² was grown by the Czochralski technique along the (0 0 1) orientation. Polarized absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra, and fluorescence decay curve of Dy³⁺-doped NaGd(WO₄)₂ have been recorded at room temperature. Based on the Judd-Ofelt (J-O) theory, the intensity parameters from the measured line strengths were evaluated. The J-O parameters were used to predict radiative transition probabilities, radiative lifetimes and branching ratios for various excited levels of Dy³⁺-doped NaGd(WO₄)₂ crystal. The luminescent quantum efficiency of the ⁴F_9/2 level was determined to be approximately 63% for this material. The emission cross-section of the ⁴F_9/2→⁶H_13/2 transition was estimated by using the Füchtbauer-Ladengurg method.     

Transparent nano composite PVA–TiO2 and PMMA–TiO2 thin films: Optical and dielectric properties

Transparent nano composite PVA–TiO₂ and PMMA–TiO₂ thin films were prepared by an easy and cost effective dip coating method. Al/PVA–TiO₂/Al and Al/PMMA–TiO₂/Al sandwich structures were prepared to study the dielectric behavior. The presence of metal–oxide (Ti–O) bond in the prepared films was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction pattern indicated that the prepared films were predominantly amorphous in nature. Scanning electron micrographs showed cluster of TiO₂ nanoparticles distributed over the film surface and also there were no cracks and pin holes on the surface. The transmittance of the films was above 80% in the visible region and the optical band gap was estimated to be about 3.77 eV and 3.78 eV respectively for PVA–TiO₂ and PMMA–TiO₂ films by using Tauc's plot. The determined refractive index (n) values were between 1.6 and 2.3. High value of dielectric constant (?′ = 24.6 and ?′ = 26.8) was obtained for the prepared composite films. The conduction in the composite films was found to be due to electrons. The observed amorphous structure, good optical properties and dielectric behavior of the prepared nano composite thin films indicated that these films could be used in opto-electronic devices and in thin film transistors.     

Studies on the optical and dielectric properties of a zinc thiourea chloride NLO single crystal

Single crystals of a nonlinear optical material, zinc thiourea chloride were grown by the slow evaporation technique. The crystal structure and lattice parameters of the grown crystal were determined by the single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The single crystal XRD revealed that the material crystallized in a orthorhombic crystal system. Optical studies were carried out and it was found that the tendency of transmission observed from the specimen, with respect to the wavelength of light, is practically more suitable for opto-electronic applications. The optical band gap is found to be 4.30 eV. Optical constants such as the band gap, refractive index, reflectance, extinction coefficient and real (?_r) and imaginary (?_i) components of the dielectric constant and electric susceptibility were determined from the UV–vis–NIR spectrum. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss of zinc thiourea chloride were measured in the different frequency range from 50 Hz to 5 MHz at different temperatures. Further, electronic properties, such as valence electron plasma energy, Penn gap, Fermi energy and electronic polarizability of the grown crystal have been estimated.     

Effect of boric acid on structure,morphology and luminescent properties of divalent europium doped calcium aluminate phosphors

Blue phosphors Ca_1 − xAl₂O₄: xEu²⁺ were prepared by high temperature solid-state method. Their structure, morphology and luminescent properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and fluorescence spectroscopy. The effect of different amounts of fluxing agent H₃BO₃ on structure, morphology and luminescent properties of blue phosphors Ca_1 − xAl₂O₄: xEu²⁺ luminous intensity caused by different amount of H₃BO₃ was also investigated. The amount of H₃BO₃ doped Ca_1 − xAl₂O₄: xEu²⁺ in optimal luminous intensity had been determined. The results showed that both the excitation and emission spectra of samples were all broad bands, and that the peak of emission spectra was near 442 nm, which was corresponding to the 4f⁶5d → 4f⁷ transition of Eu²⁺ illuminating blue light. Ca_1 − xAl₂O₄: xEu²⁺ (x = 3.5 mol%) could be gained with good morphology and the best luminous intensity when H₃BO₃ mass ratio was 0.5 wt%.     

Studies on the optical and mechanical properties of organic nonlinear optical 1-(4-fluorostyryl)-4-nitrostilbene (FNS) single crystal

A new organic nonlinear optical material 1-(4-fluorostyryl)-4-nitrostilbene (FNS) has been synthesized and single crystals of FNS were grown using solvent evaporation solution growth technique (SESGT) by 2-butanon solvent. Single crystal x-ray diffraction analysis reveals the unit cell parameters of the grown crystal are a = 9.494(4) Å, b = 9.864(2) Å, c = 19.501(7) Å and it belongs to monoclinic system with noncentrosymmetric space group. Optical transmittance of the grown crystal has been studied by UV-Vis-NIR spectrum. The optical properties of FNS have been studied by means of optical transmittance measurements in the wavelength range of 190–1100 nm The optical constants were calculated from the optical transmittance (T) data such as refractive index (n), extinction coefficient (k) and reflectance (R). The optical band gap (E_g) of FNS is 3.27 eV with direct transition. The complex dielectric (?) constant of the grown FNS crystal was determined. The second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency of the grown FNS crystal has been studied by using Kurtz-Perry powder technique and it shows 12 times relatively greater than KDP.     

Optical,spectral and thermal properties of organic nonlinear optical single crystal: 2,3-Dimethoxy-10-oxostrychnidinium hydrogen oxalate dihydrate

The potential organic nonlinear optical single crystal of 2,3-dimethoxy-10-oxostrychnidinium hydrogen oxalate dihydrate has been grown by slow evaporation solution growth technique (SEST) using ethanol–water solution at room temperature. The powder X-ray diffraction study reveals that the crystal belongs to orthorhombic system with non-centrosymmetric space group P2₁2₁2₁ and the cell parameters are a = 7.61 Å, b = 10.73 Å, c = 29.49 Å, V = 2410.75 Å³. The functional groups of the synthesized compound have been identified by FT-Raman and FTIR analyses. Photoluminescence spectroscopy study is determined to explore its efficacy towards device fabrications. Birefringence measurement has been carried out in order to analyze the optical homogeneity of the grown crystal. The optical constants such as reflectance (R) and extinction coefficient (K) have been determined from the transmittance data. The relative second harmonic efficiency of the compound is found to be 4 times greater than that of KDP. DTA-DSC measurements indicate that the crystal is thermally stable up to 174 °C.     

Crystal field energy levels of the laser crystal Gd3Ga5O12: Nd

The crystal field energy levels of laser crystal Gd₃Ga₅O₁₂: Nd³⁺ are calculated using the diagonalization (of energy matrix) method. From the calculations, the 93 observed crystal field energy levels are explained reasonably and the root-mean-square (r.m.s.) deviation σ(≈25.6 cm⁻¹) and the scalar crystal-field strength parameter Nv (≈3847 cm⁻¹) are obtained. The results are discussed.     

Synthesis,growth and physicochemical properties of an organometallic nonlinear optical crystal: Mercury cadmium chloride thiocyanate

SCN⁻ ligand based organometallic non-linear optical mercury cadmium chloride thiocyanate (MCCTC) crystals are grown from water plus methanol mixed solvent by slow evaporation technique. The grown crystals are confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. MCCTC exhibits a SHG efficiency which is nearly 17 times more than that of KDP. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss and ac conductivity measurements of the sample have been carried out for different frequencies (100 Hz to 5 MHz) and, temperatures (308–388 K) and the results are discussed. Photoconductivity study confirms that the title compound possesses negative photoconducting nature. The surface morphology of MCCTC was also investigated.     

Preparation of Nd-doped BiFeO3 films and their electrical properties

The Nd-doped BiFeO₃ thin films were prepared on SnO₂(FTO) substrates spin-coated by the sol–gel method using Nd(NO₃)₃·6H₂O, Fe(NO₃)₃·9H₂O and Bi(NO₃)₃·5H₂O as raw materials. The microstructure and electric properties of the BiFeO₃ thin films were characterized and tested. The results indicate that the diffraction peak of the Nd-doped BiFeO₃ films is shifted towards right as the doping amounts are increased. The structure is transformed from the rhombohedral to pseudotetragonal phase. The crystal grain is changed from an elliptical to irregular polyhedron. Structure transition occurring in the Bi_0.85Nd_0.15FeO₃ films gives rise to the largest Pr of 64 μC/cm². The leakage conductance of the Nd doped thin films is reduced. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss of Bi_0.85Nd_0.15FeO₃ thin film at 10 kHz are 190 and 0.017 respectively.     

Synthesis,characterization and magnetic properties of MFe2O4 (M=Co,Mg, Mn,Ni) nanoparticles using ricin oil as capping agent

We focused on obtaining MFe₂O₄ nanoparticles using ricin oil solution as surfactant and on their structural characterization and magnetic properties. The annealed samples at 500 °C in air for 6 h were analyzed for the crystal phase identification by powder X-ray diffraction using CuKα radiation. The particle size, the chemical composition and the morphology of the calcinated powders were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. All sintered samples contain only one phase, which has a cubic structure with crystallite sizes of 12–21 nm. From the infrared spectra of all samples were observed two strong bands around 600 and 400 cm⁻¹, which correspond to the intrinsic lattice vibrations of octahedral and tetrahedral sites of the spinel structure, respectively, and characteristic vibration for capping agent. The magnetic properties of fine powders were investigated at room temperature by using a vibrating sample magnetometer. The room temperature M–H hysteresis loops show ferromagnetic behavior of the calcined samples, with specific saturation magnetization (M_s) values ranging between 11 and 53 emu/g.     

Enhanced luminescence of Ca3B2O6:Dy phosphors by Na-codoping for LED applications

The Ca_2.95−yDy_0.05B₂O₆:yNa⁺ (0≤y≤0.20) phosphors were synthesized at 1100 °C in air by the solid-state reaction route. The as-synthesized phosphors were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence excitation (PLE), photoluminescence (PL) spectra and thermoluminescence (TL) spectra. The PLE spectra show the excitation peaks from 300 to 400 nm due to the 4f-4f transitions of Dy³⁺. This mercury-free excitation is useful for solid-state lighting and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The emission of Dy³⁺ ions on 350 nm excitation was observed at 480 nm (blue) due to the ⁴F_9/2→⁶H_15/2 transitions, 575 nm (yellow) due to ⁴F_9/2→⁶H_13/2 transitions and 660 nm (red) due to weak ⁴F_9/2→⁶H_11/2 emissions. The PL results from the investigated Ca_2.95−yDy_0.05B₂O₆:yNa⁺ phosphors show that Dy³⁺ emissions increase with the increase of the Na⁺ codoping ions. The integral intensity of yellow to blue (Y/B) can be tuned by controlling Na⁺ content. By the simulation of white light, the optimal CIE value (0.328, 0.334) can be achieved when the content of Na⁺-codoping ions is y=0.2. The results imply that the Ca_2.95−yDy_0.05B₂O₆:yNa⁺ phosphors could be potentially used as white LEDs.     

Temperature and pressure dependences of EPR spectra of Gd ion doped in the EuAl3(BO3)4 monocrystal

The ground state of Gd³⁺ ions substituting for trivalent europium in the EuAl₃(BO₃)₄ single crystal was studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) over the temperature range of 300-4.2 K and at pressures up to 9 kbar. The EPR spectra were analysed using the spin Hamiltonian of axial symmetry. The following parameters are reported: g=1.981±0.002, b₂⁰=280.18±0.12, b₄⁰=−12.95±0.08 and b₆⁰=0.61±0.12 (at Т=298 K). The distortions of the nearest environment of Gd³⁺ ion were analysed within the framework of the superposition model of crystal field.     

Growth and spectroscopic characterization of Er: Sr3Y(BO3)3 crystal

This paper reports the growth and spectroscopic characterization of Er³⁺:Sr₃Y(BO₃)₃ crystal. Er³⁺:Sr₃Y(BO₃)₃ crystal with dimensions up to ∅20×35 mm³ has been grown by Czochralski method. The polarized spectroscopic properties of Er³⁺:Sr₃Y(BO₃)₃ crystal were investigated. Based on the Judd-Ofelt theory, the effective intensity parameters Ω_t were obtained: Ω₂=1.71×10⁻²⁰ cm², Ω₄=1.39×10⁻²⁰ cm², Ω₆=0.74×10⁻²⁰ cm² for π-polarization, and Ω₂=1.77×10⁻²⁰ cm², Ω₄=1.44×10⁻²⁰ cm², Ω₆=0.65×10⁻²⁰ cm² for σ-polarization. The emission cross-section σ_em was calculated to be 4.75×10⁻²¹ cm² for π-polarization at 1536 nm and 6.30×10⁻²¹ cm² for σ-polarization at 1537 nm. The investigated results showed that Er³⁺:Sr₃Y(BO₃)₃ crystal may be regarded as a potential laser host material for 1.55 μm IR solid-state lasers.