Influence of Nd3+ on zinc tris-thiourea sulphate single crystal: a comparative crystal growth, structural, linear–nonlinear optical and dielectric study to explore NLO device applications

Abstract

In present investigation, crystals of pure and Nd3+ doped zinc tris-thiourea sulphate (ZTS) material have been grown from aqueous solution at room temperature by employing slow evaporation technique. The incorporation of Nd3+ in ZTS crystal complex has been qualitatively determined by means of energy-dispersive spectroscopic technique. The crystalline phase and structural parameters of grown crystals have been confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction technique. The influence of Nd3+ on optical transparency of ZTS crystal has been examined in the range of 190–1100 nm. The transmittance data have been used to evaluate the vital optical constants (extinction coefficient, refractive index and reflectance) of grown crystals to discuss the utility for distinct optical applications. The enhancement in SHG efficiency of Nd3+ doped ZTS crystal has been confirmed by Kurtz–Perry powder test. The nature of dielectric constant and dielectric loss of pure and Nd3+ doped ZTS crystal has been comparatively investigated in the temperature range of 35–110 °C.