Crystal growth of potassium 3,5-dinitrobenzoate (KDNB) for third order nonlinear optical (NLO) applications

Abstract

The semi-organic nonlinear optical single crystals of potassium 3,5-dinitrobenzoate (KDNB) were grown by slow evaporation solution technique (SEST). The lattice parameters of the grown crystal were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The optical transmittance, cut-off wavelength and band gap of the KDNB crystal were obtained by UV-Vis NIR spectrum analysis. Vickers microhardness analysis was carried out to identify mechanical stability and work hardening co-efficient of the grown crystal. The crystalline perfection of the grown crystal was identified by chemical etching study using water as etchant. The third-order nonlinear optical properties such as nonlinear refractive index (n2), nonlinear absorption co-efficient (β) and third order nonlinear susceptibility (χ(3)) of KDNB crystal were evaluated using Z-scan technique at the wavelength of 632.8 nm.