Growth and characterization of barium bis para-nitrophenolate para-nitrophenol tetrahydrate single crystal for NLO applications

Abstract

Single crystals of barium bis para-nitrophenolate para-nitrophenol tetrahydrate (BBPNT) was grown using slow evaporation technique with the crystal dimensions of 15 × 10 × 6 mm3. The structure of the BBPNT crystal was examined by X-ray diffraction and the functional groups present in the compound were identified using FTIR spectrum. The optical and electrical properties were characterized by UV–Vis spectrum and dielectric studies respectively. Thermal properties of the grown crystal were investigated by using thermo-gravimetric (TG) and differential thermal analyses (DTA). The mechanical behavior of the grown crystal was studied using Vickers microhardness test. Using the Kurtz-Perry powder method, the second-harmonic generation efficiency was found to be 15.75 times greater than to that of KDP. Third-order nonlinear response was studied using Z-scan technique with a He-Ne laser (632.8 nm) and NLO parameters such as intensity dependent refractive index, nonlinear absorption coefficient and third-order susceptibility were also estimated. In the PL spectra, a broad band observed at 525 nm suggests its applications for fabricating green laser and new tunable laser system. The laser damage threshold value of BBPNT was found to be 5.09 GW/cm2 using an Nd: YAG laser.