Growth and characterisation of l-cystine doped TGS crystals

Abstract

Single crystals of l-cystine doped triglycine sulfate (LCTGS) were grown from aqueous solution by low temperature solution growth technique. Morphological changes were observed on the grown crystals. Crystalline quality and cell parameter values were found using rocking curve and powder X-ray diffraction analysis, respectively. The presence of l-cystine in LCTGS was estimated qualitatively by FTIR analysis. Microhardness studies were carried out using Leitz Weitzler hardness tester at room temperature. The dielectric studies were carried out to identify the phase transition temperature and to find the dielectric constant. P-E hysteresis studies were done to find the values of spontaneous polarisation and coercive field for both pure and doped TGS crystals. Scanning electron microscopic investigations on uncoated b-cut plates were carried out to visualise the lenticular domains. AFM studies on the cleaved b-cut plate were carried out to understand the ferroelectric surface and the domain structure.