Effect of hollow pores on the detection characteristics of trans-stilbene crystals grown by vertical Bridgman technique

Bulk crystals of trans-stilbene were grown using Vertical Bridgman Technique with progressive modification of growth parameters. The grown crystals were studied for their performance in time resolution setup with two anti collinear gamma rays from ²²Na sources. The crystals were subjected to optical microscopic and Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) studies. The microscopic defects (hollow pores) in the grown crystals and their effect on the detection characteristics are reported.     

A study on the <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-lysine-iodic acid: semi organic non linear optical single crystals for electro-optic applications

Non linear optical single crystals of l-lysine-iodic acid (LLI) of dimensions upto 24?×?14?×?5 mm³ have been grown successfully by slow evaporation technique from aqueous solution. The crystal structure of the grown material was solved by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and it was found that the LLI crystal belongs to monocinic system with space group P2₁. Functional groups of the grown crystal were identified by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectral analysis. The UV–Vis spectral analysis was carried out to measure the transparent range of the LLI crystal which is nearly 85% and the band gap energy is found to be 5.51 eV. Thermal stability and decomposition temperature of LLI crystal was found by means of TGA and DTA analyses. The mechanical behavior of the grown crystal has been employed using Vicker’s micro hardness technique. The Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) efficiency of the crystal was investigated and it was found to be 3.2 times of KDP. The particle size dependent SHG studies of LLI crystals were performed using Nd:YAG laser. The laser damage threshold value of LLI crystal is found to be 8.54 GW/cm². Dielectric study indicates the reasonable dielectric constant and low dielectric loss of LLI crystal which are essential properties to develop optoelectronic devices. The ac and dc electrical conductivity measurements were carried out at various temperatures. Photoconductivity study exhibits the negative photoconductivity nature of the LLI crystal and the results are discussed for the first time.     

Growth, thermal, dielectric and mechanical studies of triglycine zinc chloride, a semiorganic nonlinear optical material

Triglycine zinc chloride, a semiorganic material, has been grown by slow solvent evaporation technique from a mixture of aqueous solution of glycine and zinc chloride in 2:1 molar ratio at room temperature. The grown crystal is up to the dimension of 45 × 23 × 18 mm³. Characterization of the crystals was made using single-crystal X-ray diffraction for obtaining unit cell parameters. Powder X-ray diffraction was recorded and the major peaks were indexed. Simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis were carried out for the as grown crystals to determine the thermal stability of the crystal. The crystals were further characterized by UV-Vis-NIR transmission spectrum in the range of 200 to 1100 nm. Dielectric constant and dielectric loss measurements were carried out at different temperatures and frequencies. Mechanical studies were carried out on the as grown crystal.     

Infrared,Raman, electrical and thermal analysis of lithium sulphate monohydrate single crystals

In this work, single crystals of lithium sulphate monohydrate were grown by slow evaporation technique. Structural studies of the grown crystals were carried out by powder X-ray diffraction technique showing a monoclinic structure. Effect of temperature on the vibrational modes of different groups was observed and analyzed by Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The temperature dependent dielectric behaviour and ac conductivity of the grown crystals were also studied. The effect of temperature on the vibrational spectra as observed by Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy were correlated with the electrical behavior of the crystals. The relaxation studies were also undertaken using the complex-modulus M^* formalism which showed a thermally activated relaxation caused by the hopping motion of H⁺ ions in the crystal. All the observed characteristics were found to be closely related with water loss in the crystal structure. Thermal analysis of the grown crystal was carried out by using differential scanning calorimetric technique yielding various thermodynamic parameters such as ΔH, ΔS and ΔC_p. The activation energy for the dehydration step of lithium sulphate monohydrate was also evaluated by using Coats-Redfern integral method.     

Synthesis,crystal growth,structural, spectral,thermal, mechanical,linear and nonlinear optical studies of organic single crystal 4-Iodo 4-nitrostilbene (IONS): A potential NLO material

An organic nonlinear optical material 4-Iodo 4-nitrostilbene (IONS) has been synthesized and good optical quality single crystal was grown from ethyl methyl ketone solvent by the solution growth technique. Single and powder X-ray diffraction analyses reveals that the grown crystal belongs to monoclinic crystal system with noncentrosymmetric space group ‘P2₁’ and it has good crystalline nature. Functional groups and molecular structure of the title compound were confirmed by FTIR and ¹H NMR respectively. The UV–Vis–NIR absorption study reveals no absorption in the visible region and the cut-off wavelength was found to be at 412.84 nm, TG/DTA, mass spectral analysis, photoluminescence and microhardness studies have been carried out for the grown crystals and results are discussed in detail. The second harmonic efficiency of the IONS was determined by Kurtz–Perry powder technique which reveals that the IONS crystal (3.1 V) has greater efficiency i.e., 143 times to that of KDP (21.7 mV).     

Effect of Ni on the structural, optical, thermal and dielectric properties of ADP single crystals

The effects of the addition of Ni²⁺ on the growth and various properties of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate single crystals grown from aqueous solution by the slow evaporation method have been studied. The grown crystals were subjected to HRXRD, UV-Vis, TG/DTA and dielectric studies. The structural perfection of the grown crystal has been analyzed by high resolution X-ray diffraction rocking curve measurements. UV-Vis studies show that the grown crystal has good transparency in the entire visible region which is an essential requirement for a nonlinear crystal. Higher decomposition temperature was observed from TG/DTA. Dielectric constant and dielectric loss were measured for the grown crystal for different frequencies and temperatures.     

Optical investigations on Tb3+ doped l-Histidine hydrochloride mono hydrate single crystals grown by low temperature solution techniques

The potential nonlinear optical material of Terbium (Tb³⁺) ion doped l-Histidine hydrochloride monohydrate (LHHC) single crystals were successfully grown. Tb³⁺:LHHC crystals of 7 mm × 5 mm × 3 mm and 59 mm length and 15 mm diameter have been grown by the slow solvent evaporation and Sankaranarayanan-Ramasamy (SR) techniques respectively. The grown crystals were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis to confirm the crystalline structure and morphology. High resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) studies revealed that the SR grown sample shows relatively good crystalline nature with 9″ full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) for the diffraction curve. Functional groups were identified by Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR). The optical transparency and band gaps of grown crystals were measured by UV–Vis spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA) studies reveal that the crystal was thermally stable up to 155 °C in SR grown crystal. Surface morphology of the growth plane was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The incorporation of Tb ion was estimated by EDAX. The frequency-dependent dielectric properties of the crystals were carried out for different temperatures. Vickers hardness study carried out on (1 0 0) face at room temperature shows increased hardness of the SR method grown crystal. Second harmonic generation efficiency of SEST and SR grown crystals are 3.2 and 3.5 times greater than that of pure KDP. The Photoluminescence (PL) studies of Tb³⁺ ions result from the radiative intra-configurational f-f transitions that occur from the ⁵D₄ excited state to the ⁷F_j (j = 6, 5, 4, 3) ground states. The decay curve of the ⁵D₄ level of emission was observed with a long life time of 319.2041 μs for the SR grown Tb³⁺:LHHC crystal.     

Growth,morphology and structure of CsRP4O12 crystals

We have grown CsRP₄O₁₂ (R³⁺ is a rare-earth ion) crystals from 85% phosphoric acid solutions. Morphological, optical and X-ray studies have been carried out on all the crystals. CsRP₄O₁₂ crystallizes in four different structural modifications. The variation in growth temperature causes variation in their morphology and crystal structure.     

X-ray diffraction studies of NbTe<Subscript>2</Subscript> single crystal

NbTe₂ is a member of transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) group. Single crystals of niobium ditelluride (NbTe₂) have been grown by a chemical vapour transport technique using iodine as transporting agent. The composition of the grown crystals was confirmed on the basis of energy dispersive analysis by X-ray (EDAX) and remaining structural characterization was also accomplished by X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. Lattice parameters, volume and X-ray density have been carried out for the grown crystals. The particle size for a number of reflections has been calculated using Scherrer’s formula.     

Study of pure and l-tartaric acid doped ammonium dihydrogen phosphate single crystals: A novel nonlinear optical non-centrosymmetric crystal

Single crystals of pure and l-tartaric acid (LTA) C₄H₆O₆ doped ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (ADP) (NH₄) H₂PO₄ were grown by slow evaporation solution technique (SEST) at ambient conditions. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis was carried out to confirm the crystal structure and no additional phase was observed due to doping except a systematic variation in peak intensities. Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis was done to examine the presence of various functional groups in the grown crystals. UV–VIS–NIR spectroscopic analysis was carried out to see the change in optical transparency of pure ADP and crystals due to LTA with different doping concentrations. Second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency measurement was done to examine the enhancement in the nonlinear optical characteristics of the grown crystals. The effect of LTA dopant on crystal morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of ADP have also been presented in this paper. The above studies reveal the effect of incorporation of LTA into the lattice of ADP crystals.     

Growth of Cu2+ and Mg2+ doped nonlinear optical LATF crystals and their characterization

Single crystals of pure, Cu²⁺ and Mg²⁺ doped l-arginine trifluoroacetate (LATF) have been grown by the temperature lowering method. The presence of Cu²⁺ and Mg²⁺ was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies were performed to calculate the lattice parameters of the pure and doped crystals. Absorption of these crystals was analyzed and the result confirms that they possess low absorption in the range 230–1100 nm. Thermal analysis (TGA, DTA) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were carried out to investigate the thermal behavior and molecular vibrations of these crystals, respectively. The second harmonic generation (SHG) measurement reveals the NLO properties of pure and doped crystal. Surface morphologies of these crystals were also observed and studied in detail by atomic force microscopy.     

Growth,optical and electro-optical characterisations of potassium hydrogen phthalate crystals doped with Fe3+ and Cr3+ ions

Potassium hydrogen crystals have good electro-optic properties that are in order of urea crystal. Trivalent ions doped KAP crystals KAP:M⁺³ (M = Fe³⁺, Cr³⁺) ions were grown using solution growth technique. Optical and electro-optical characterisations on the coefficient r₅₁ were carried out. The refractive matching offered by the KAP:M⁺³ crystals was investigated. One of the factors causing the observed enhancement in the electro-optics properties is the ligand interactions due the presence of trivalent ions in KAP lattice.     

Feasibility study on Czochralski (Cz) growth of 3-methoxy 4-hydroxy benzaldehyde (MHBA) single crystals for nonlinear optical applications

Reported large nonlinear optical coefficients such as d₂₂ = 23.8d₃₆^KDP, d₂₁ = 13.5d₃₆^KDP, d₂₃ = 29.1d₃₆^KDP, d₂₅ = 12.8d₃₆^KDP of 3-methoxy 4-hydroxy benzaldehyde (MHBA) attract research on its bulk crystal growth for device application. The X-ray rocking and X-ray topographic studies of Cz-grown organic monoclinic crystals invariably reveal closely aligned sub-crystals which made melt growth difficult. In this context, the single crystal growth of MHBA by Czochralski pulling technique has been successfully demonstrated for the first time in the literature. Comparison study of obtained X-ray powder diffraction data with the literature confirmed the monoclinic structure. High-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) study confirms the better crystalline perfection of the grown crystal in comparison to that of solution-grown crystals and revealed the optimization of the growth process along [211¯] direction. TG, DTA and optical transmission studies carried out on the grown crystal exhibit its thermal and optical properties for SHG application.     

Growth and characterization of pure and doped NLO L-arginine acetate single crystals

Single crystals of pure, Cu²⁺ and Mg²⁺ doped L-arginine acetate (LAA) were grown successfully by slow evaporation technique. In order to improve the device characteristics of LAA crystals, metal dopants of Cu²⁺ and Mg²⁺ were incorporated into the parent crystals. The grown pure and doped crystals were confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction studies. The pure and doped crystals were characterized by Fourier transform Raman (FT-Raman) and thermal studies. Absorptions of these grown crystals were analysed using UV-Vis-NIR studies, and it was found that these crystals possess minimum absorption in the entire visible region. Nonlinear optical studies of pure and doped crystals were carried out and it reveals that the dopants have increased the efficiency of LAA crystals.     

Study of optimum growth condition of Zinc Cadmium Thiocyanate (ZCTC) single crystals in silica gel

Some bimetallic thiocyanate complexes exhibit excellent nonlinear optical properties. Single crystals of one such material Zinc Cadmium Thiocyanate ZnCd(SCN)₄ abbreviated as ZCTC have been grown in Silica gel using gel technique by the process of diffusion. Colorless transparent crystals of size 12 mm × 2 mm × 1.3 mm have been obtained. Structural analysis has been carried out in powder form and for single crystal using X-ray diffractometer. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the crystal lattice of ZCTC is tetragonal. From powder X-ray diffraction analysis the diffraction planes have been identified and unit cell parameters are determined.     

Growth and characterization of a new non-linear optical l-histidinium dihydrogen phosphate single crystal

New non-linear optical single crystal of l-histidinium dihydrogen phosphate was grown by slow evaporation and temperature lowering technique from aqueous solution. Solubility studies have been carried out for three different solvents (water, acetone and ethanol). The grown crystals have been subjected to single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis to identify the cell parameters and morphology. Optical transmission spectra reveal the optical properties of the grown crystals. The NLO property of the crystal has been confirmed by Kurtz SHG test. Comparing the output power it has been confirmed that l-HDP crystals possess higher SHG efficiency than KDP. Thermal studies were carried out to check the thermal stability of the crystals.     

Study of optimum growth condition and characterization of zinc mercury thiocyanate (ZMTC) single crystals in silica gel

Some bimetallic thiocyanate complexes exhibit excellent nonlinear optical properties. Single crystals of one such material, zinc mercury thiocyanate ZnHg(SCN)₄ have been grown in silica gel with gel technique by the process of diffusions and the optimum growth condition has been studied. Crystals of 4 mm length have been obtained. Their structural, optical and thermal properties have been studied. Structural analysis was carried out using an X-ray diffractometer and the crystal structure was confirmed to be tetragonal. Fourier transform infrared spectrum was obtained to confirm the functional groups. Transmission spectrum has been recorded in the solution state and the cut-off wavelength has been determined. Thermal stability of the grown crystal has been investigated by thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses. Nonlinear optical property of the crystal has been confirmed using the Kurtz powder technique and a study of its second harmonic generation efficiency in comparison with urea has been made.     

Characterization of vertical Bridgman grown Cd0.9Zn0.1Te0.97Se0.03 single crystal for room-temperature radiation detection

We report a modified vertical Bridgman method to grow Cd_0.9Zn_0.1Te_0.97Se_0.03 (CZTS) single crystals using in-house zone-refined 7 N (99.99999%) purity elemental precursors for room-temperature radiation detection. CZTS is an economic yet high performance alternative to expensive CdZnTe (CZT) detectors for room-temperature gamma-ray detection. Radiation detector in planar geometry has been fabricated on an 11.0?×?11.0?×?3.0 mm³ CZTS single crystal. A bulk resistivity of 10¹⁰ Ω.cm has been achieved without using any compensating dopant. The elemental composition of the grown crystal has been examined using energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed formation of zincblende phase with a lattice constant of 6.447 Å, and sharp peaks confirmed the formation of highly crystalline single-phase CZTS crystals. A modified Vegard’s law has been applied to calculate the atomic percentage of Se in the grown crystals from the XRD patterns and compared with the intended and the measured stoichiometry. The electron mobility-lifetime (μτ) product and the drift mobility have been calculated to be 1.5?×?10^–3 cm²/V and 710 cm²/V.s, respectively, using alpha spectroscopy. The presented vertical Bridgman growth method uses a single pass through the controlled heating zone in contrast to the previously reported multiple pass growth techniques, thus, reducing the growth duration by two third which would help to further reduce the cost of production of CZTS-based room-temperature detectors.

     

Growth and characterization of bis thiourea cadmium iodide: A semiorganic single crystal

Single crystals of bis thiourea cadmium iodide[CdI₂(CH₄N₂S)₂], abbreviated as BTCI, a semiorganic material has been successfully grown by both slow evaporation and slow cooling methods. Crystal of dimensions up to 3.3 × 1.0 × 1.5 cm³ is reported. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis has been carried out to confirm monoclinic system and etching studies for their perfection. The morphology of the grown crystal was also identified by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The powder X-ray diffractogram of the crystal has been recorded and the various planes of reflection are identified. The presence of functional groups and the coordination of metal ions to thiourea were confirmed by FTIR analysis. Transmission spectra reveals that the crystal has low UV cutoff of 324 nm and has a good transmittance in the entire visible region enabling its use in optical applications. The thermal behaviour of the crystal has been investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA), which indicates that the material does not decompose before melting. Studies of dielectric properties (dielectric constant and dielectric loss) both as function of frequencies (100 Hz to 5 MHz) for varying temperatures in the range 308–348 K suggests good candidate for electro optic modulators.     

Growth and characterization of hexamethylenetetramine crystals grown from solution

Organic nonlinear optical single crystals of hexamethylenetetramine (HMT; 10 × 10 × 5 mm³) were prepared by crystallization from methanol solution. The grown crystals were subjected to various characterization techniques such as single crystal XRD, powder XRD, UV-Vis and electrical studies. Single crystal XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline structure of the grown crystals. Their crystalline nature was also confirmed by powder XRD technique. The optical transmittance property was identified from UV-Vis spectrum. Dielectric measurements were performed as a function of frequency at different temperatures. DC conductivity and photoconductivity studies were also carried out for the crystal. The powder second harmonic generation efficiency (SHG) of the crystal was measured using Nd:YAG laser and the efficiency was found to be two times greater than that of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP).