Growth and characterization of potassium halides mixed l-arginine phosphate monohydrate semi organic nonlinear optical single crystals

Single crystals of pure and potassium halides additive mixed l-arginine phosphate monohydrate have been grown with good optical quality by slow temperature reduction method. Microbial growth aspects and coloration have been studied on the growth solutions. In addition to that the structural properties have been studied by powder X-ray diffraction method and Fourier transform infrared spectral analyses for the grown crystals. Thermal stability of the grown crystals were studied by thermo gravimetric (TG) and differential thermal analyses (DTA) and found that the grown crystals are suitable for device fabrication for frequency conversion applications.     

Unidirectional growth of l-lysine l-lysinium dichloride nitrate (l-LLDN) single crystals by the SR method

Bulk semi-organic single crystals of l-lysine l-lysinium dichloride nitrate (l-LLDN) were grown by Sankaranarayanan-Ramasamy (SR) method. The experimental parameters involved in the present work are discussed in detail. The cut-off wavelength and the transmittance of the crystal were determined by UV-vis-NIR spectral analysis. Mechanical stability of the crystal was determined by Vickers microhardness tester. Refractive index of the crystal was measured using Brewster’s angle method. A simple interferometric technique was used for measuring birefringence of the crystal. The frequency dependent dielectric constant (ε_r) and dielectric loss (tan δ) were also measured. The results were analyzed for the l-LLDN crystals grown by both conventional and unidirectional methods.     

Growth, structural, spectral, mechanical and dielectric characterization of RbCl-doped l-alanine hydrogen chloride monohydrate single crystals

Pure (undoped) and RbCl-doped LAHC single crystals were grown successfully by the solution method with the slow evaporation technique at room temperature. The grown crystals were colourless and transparent. The solubility of the grown samples were found out at various temperatures. The lattice parameters of the grown crystals were determined by the single crystal X-ray diffraction technique and the diffracting planes were indentified by recording the powder X-ray diffraction pattern. UV-visible transmittance studies were carried out for the grown samples. Chemical analysis and atomic absorption studies indicate the presence of rubidium in the doped LAHC crystals. Nonlinear optical studies reveal that the SHG efficiency increases when the LAHC crystal is doped with rubidium chloride (RbCl). From microhardness studies, it is observed that the RbCl-doped LAHC crystal is harder than the pure sample. It is observed that the dielectric properties of the LAHC crystal are altered when it is doped with rubidium chloride.     

Studies on physico-chemical properties of hydroxyethylammonium (l) tartrate monohydrate single crystals

In this paper, we report the growth and characterization of hydroxyethylammonium (l) tartrate monohydrate single crystals grown by slow evaporation solution technique. The X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the crystal belongs to the monoclinic system having P2₁ space group. Photoinduced optical absorption effects were studied on the crystalline samples irradiated with CW 532 nm (green) and 689 nm (red) laser wavelengths. The relative second harmonic generation efficiency of the title crystal was found to be 1.4 times larger than that of KDP crystal. The thermal, mechanical, dielectric and optical studies of the single crystals were carried out to propose the material for useful applications. The reflectance and refractive indices were also evaluated from optical transmission spectrum. Further the electronic excitation calculations were carried out to understand the charge transfer mechanisms.     

Studies on growth and characterization of l-alanine strontium chloride trihydrate single crystals for optical applications

The optically transparent nonlinear optical single crystals of l-alanine strontium chloride trihydrate (LASCT) were grown by slow evaporation solution growth method using water as solvent. The purity of the crystals was increased by the method of recrystallization. The grown crystals were analyzed by the single crystal X-ray diffraction pattern which proved that LASCT belongs to monoclinic crystal system. The presence of various functional groups and modes of vibrations were identified by FTIR spectroscopy. The optical absorption study confirms the suitability of the crystal for device applications. The thermal strength and the decomposition of the grown crystals were studied using TG/DTA analyses. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss measurements of the grown crystals at different frequencies of the applied field were measured and reported. The mechanical strength of the crystal is estimated by Vicker's hardness test. The nonlinear optical properties of the grown crystals were confirmed by second harmonic generation test which shows the suitability of NLO applications.     

Growth and characterization of two new NLO materials from the amino acid family: l-Histidine nitrate and l-Cysteine tartrate monohydrate

Single crystals of organic nonlinear optical (NLO) materials l-Histidine nitrate (C₆H₁₀N₃O₂)⁺ · (NO₃)⁻ and l-Cysteine tartrate monohydrate (C₃H₈NO₂S)⁺ · (C₄H₅O₆)⁻ · H₂O were grown by submerged seed solution method. Characterization of the crystals was made using single crystal X-ray diffraction. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic studies, optical behaviour such as UV-visible-NIR absorption spectra and second harmonic generation (SHG) conversion efficiency were investigated to explore the NLO characteristics of the above materials. Microhardness measurements and dielectric studies of the compounds were also carried out.     

Synthesis,growth and characterization of l-threonine zinc acetate (LTZA) NLO single crystal

Single crystals of l-threonine zinc acetate (LTZA) were grown from an aqueous solution by slow evaporation technique. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the crystal belongs to monoclinic system. The optical transmission study reveals the transparency of the crystal in the entire visible region and the cut off wavelength has been found to be 350 nm. The optical band gap is found to be 3.55 eV. The microhardness studies reveal the mechanical strength of the grown crystal. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss were carried out for the grown crystal. Photoconductivity measurements carried out on the grown crystal reveal the negative photoconducting nature.     

Linear and nonlinear optical properties of a new organic NLO l-asparaginium l-tartarate (AST) single crystal

A new organic NLO material l-asparaginium l-tartarate (AST) was synthesized and good quality crystals were grown from aqueous solution. The solubility and metastable zone width for AST solution were determined. Single crystal X-ray diffraction and powder X-ray diffraction analyses were carried out to confirm structure and crystalline nature of AST crystal. Optical transmittance and second harmonic generation efficiency (SHG) of the grown crystal were studied by UV?vis?NIR spectrum and Kurtz powder technique respectively. The transmittance of AST crystal was used to calculate the refractive index (n), the extinction coefficient (k) and reflectance (R). The laser induced surface damage threshold for the grown crystal was measured using Nd:YAG laser.     

Growth and characterization of a pure and doped nonlinear optical l-histidine acetate single crystals

Single crystals of pure, Cu²⁺and Mg²⁺ doped l-histidine acetate (LHA) were grown successfully by slow evaporation technique. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies were carried out for the pure and doped grown crystals. Absorption of these grown crystals was analyzed using UV-vis-NIR studies, and it was found that these crystals possess minimum absorption from 200 nm to 1500 nm. The pure and doped crystals are characterized by Fourier transform Raman (FT-Raman), thermal and photoconductivity studies. Vickers microhardness tests were carried out for the pure and doped crystals and the mechanical strengths were found. The dielectric constant and the dielectric loss with frequency were also studied.     

Growth and characterization of metal ions doped l-serine NLO single crystals for optoelectronic applications

Single crystals of pure and metal ions (K⁺, Na⁺ and Li⁺) doped l-serine have been grown by slow evaporation solution growth technique (SEST). Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) prove the incorporation of metal ions into the doped crystals. The lattice parameters have been obtained from single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The presence of functional groups is identified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and FT-RAMAN analyses. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) reveal that the thermal stability of lithium doped l-serine crystal is enhanced. The mechanical properties have been studied by vicker's microhardness test. UV–vis-NIR spectroscopy shows that the percentage of transmission is increased in lithium doped l-serine crystals. Potassium and lithium ions doped l-serine crystals have enhanced second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency indicating that these crystals are potential candidates for non linear optical (NLO) applications.     

Synthesis,growth and characterization of non-linear optical material: l-Tryptophan p-nitrophenol (LTPNP) single crystal

A new nonlinear optical organic crystal l-tryptophan p-nitrophenol (LTPNP) of dimension 19 mm × 2 mm × 1.5 mm has been grown from an aqueous solution for the first time by slow evaporation technique at ambient temperature. The crystal structure of LTPNP was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. LTPNP crystallizes in non-centrosymmetric monoclinic system with space group P₂₁. The recorded FTIR spectrum confirms the presence of various functional groups in the grown crystal and confirms the formation of LTPNP. Thermal stability and melting temperature of the LTPNP crystal were identified from TG/DTA analysis. The optical absorption study confirms the suitability of the crystal for device applications. LTPNP exhibits SHG efficiency over 1.7 orders of magnitude higher than that of urea and 4 orders of magnitude higher than that of KDP.     

Growth,optical, mechanical and electrical studies of nonlinear optical crystal: l-Valinium oxalate

l-Valinium oxalate (LVO) single crystal has been grown by solution growth technique at room temperature. The crystal structure and lattice parameters were determined for the grown crystal by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Optical constants like band gap, refractive index, reflectance, extinction coefficient and electric susceptibility were determined from UV–vis–NIR spectrum. The microhardness studies reveal the mechanical strength of the grown crystal. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss and AC conductivity of the compound were calculated at different temperatures and frequencies to analyze the electrical properties. Nonlinear optical property was discussed to confirm the SHG efficiency of the grown crystal.     

Synthesis,growth and characterization of l-asparagine cadmium bromide: A novel semiorganic nonlinear optical single crystal

Single crystal of l-asparagine cadmium bromide (LACB), a semiorganic nonlinear optical material was grown by solution growth method at the room temperature. The grown crystals were characterized by single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction analysis and it was found to be the structure of the crystal was belongs to orthorhombic system. The UV–vis–NIR spectroscopic study revealed that the crystal has good optical transparency and lower cut off wavelength was found to be 230 nm. The presence of functional group was identified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. The chemical composition was confirmed by elemental analysis. The mechanical strength was studied and found to be 100 g by using Vicker's micro hardness tester. The thermal stability was found to be 218 °C by using TGA and DTA analysis. The second harmonic generation efficiency was carried out by using Kurtz–Perry powder technique and it was found to be 3.4 times higher than KDP crystal.     

Effect of H ion implantation on structural, morphological, optical and dielectric properties of l-arginine monohydrochloride monohydrate single crystals

l-arginine monohydrochloride monohydrate (LAHCl) single crystals have been implanted with 100 keV H⁺ ions at different ion fluence ranging from 10¹² to 10¹⁵ ions/cm². Implanted LAHCl single crystals have been investigated for property changes. Crystal surface and crystalline perfection of the pristine and implanted crystals were analyzed by atomic force microscope and high-resolution X-ray diffraction studies, respectively. Optical absorption bands induced by colour centers, refractive index and birefringence, mechanical stability and dielectric constant of implanted crystals were studied at different ion fluence and compared with that of pristine LAHCl single crystal.     

Unidirectional growth of l-alanine single crystal: NLO material from the amino acid family

Single crystal of l-alanine (LALA) has been grown by using the Sankaranarayanan and Ramasamy (SR) method. The identity of the crystal was confirmed using single crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystalline perfection was evaluated using high-resolution X-ray diffractometry (HRXRD). Infrared (IR) spectroscopic, UV–vis–NIR spectral and second harmonic generation (SHG) conversion efficiency studies were carried out. Microhardness measurements and thermal studies of the compound were made and reported.     

Pressure-induced phase transformations in l-alanine crystals

Raman scattering and synchrotron X-ray diffraction have been used to investigate the high-pressure behavior of l-alanine. This study has confirmed a structural phase transition observed by Raman scattering at 2.3 GPa and identified it as a change from orthorhombic to tetragonal structure. Another phase transformation from tetragonal to monoclinic structure has been observed at about 9 GPa. From the equation of state, the zero-pressure bulk modulus and its pressure derivative have been determined as (31.5±1.4) GPa and 4.4±0.4, respectively.     

Nucleation kinetics,growth and hardness parameters of l-alanine alaninium picrate (LAAP) single crystals

Amino acids are considered to be the building blocks of proteins and are gaining importance due to their interesting optical behavior. l-alanine is an amino acid which dissolves in water and it can react with other acids to form new compounds. In this work, l-alanine is mixed with picric acid to prepare l-alanine alaninium picrate (LAAP) salt. Solubility and metastable zone width were measured for LAAP salt and induction period was measured at different supersaturation ratios. The critical nucleation parameters were evaluated based on the classical theory of homogeneous nucleation. Using the optimized nucleation parameters, single crystals of LAAP salt were grown by slow evaporation technique. XRD and FTIR studies were carried out to understand structural and molecular formation of the crystal. Microhardness measurements were performed on the grown LAAP crystal and various parameters such as work hardening constant, stiffness constant, yield strength, resistance pressure and corrected hardness were evaluated. Nonlinear optical behavior of the sample was analyzed.     

Influence of l-alanine doping on crystalline perfection, SHG efficiency, optical and mechanical properties of KDP single crystals

Pure and l-alanine (LA) doped single crystals of potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate (KDP) were grown by slow evaporation solution technique (SEST) in aqueous solution at ambient temperature. Powder X-ray diffraction study was done to confirm the crystal system and lattice parameters of KDP. No additional phases were observed at all doping concentrations (1-7.5 mol%), which was further confirmed by FT-Raman spectroscopy analysis. The influence of LA doping on the crystalline perfection was assessed by high-resolution X-ray diffractometry (HRXRD) analysis. HRXRD studies revealed that the grown crystals could accommodate LA at the interstitial positions in the crystalline matrix of KDP up to some critical concentration without any deterioration in the crystalline perfection. Above this concentration, very low angle structural grain boundaries were developed and it seems that the excess LA above the critical concentration was segregated along the grain boundaries. The SHG efficiency was measured using the Kurtz powder technique. The relative SHG efficiency of the crystals was found to be increased with doping concentration up to 5 mol% and above this it decreases. Optical transmission study also revealed the same behavior with enhancement up to 5 mol% concentration and later decreased. The hardness values were found to be increased by increasing the doping concentration.     

Investigations on the optical, thermal and surface modifications of electron irradiated l-threonine single crystals

l-Threonine single crystals have been irradiated by 6 MeV electrons. Irradiated crystals at various electron fluences were subjected to various techniques such as UV–vis–NIR, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and thermomechanical analyses. Thermal strength of the irradiated crystals has also been studied through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. The results have been discussed in detail.