Acoustic shock-pulse-induced tunable structural and optical properties of L-Histidine maleate single crystals for photonic applications

Abstract

In this paper, a single crystal of L-histidine maleate (LHM) was grown using a slow evaporation solution process. A tabletop shock tube is used to generate shock pulses. Shock waves' impact on the optical and structural characteristics of the LHM single crystal was studied for 0, 1, 2, and 3 shock pulses with a Mach number of 1.7. Analytical methods such as Powder X-ray diffraction, Raman, UV–visible spectroscopy, and optical microscopic techniques were utilized to get a deep understanding of the shock pulse impact of the title crystals. The crystalline nature is observed to be increased at the third shocked condition, as shown by the Raman and PXRD data. The UV-visible studies infer the enhancement of the crystal's optical-transmittance at 3rd shocked condition. It is to be noted that, the difference between optical transmittance at the impact of 2nd and 3rd shock is almost 30 %. It is evident from the data that, the applied shock waves are capable of tuning the local crystalline perfection and the optical transmittance of the test crystals. The shock wave induced higher crystalline perfection and optical transmittance LHM crystal is strongly suggested to the non-linear optical applications.