Synthesis, Growth and Optical, Mechanical, Electrical and Surface Properties of an Inorganic New Nonlinear Optical Crystal: Sodium Cadmium Tetra Chloride (SCTC)

Abstract

AbstractA new inorganic nonlinear optical single crystal of sodium cadmium tetra chloride (SCTC) is successfully grown from aqueous solution by the slow evaporation technique at room temperature. The crystalline nature of the grown crystal is analyzed by powder X‐ray diffraction. The lattice parameters and crystal system is confirmed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. Optical transmission study on SCTC crystal shows high transmittance in the entire UV–Vis region. The mechanical strength of the grown crystal is estimated by Vicker's microhardness test. The second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency of the crystal is measured by Kurtz's powder technique infers that the crystal has nonlinear optical (NLO) efficiency 1.75 times that of KDP. The variation of dielectric constant and dielectric loss as a function of log frequency at various temperature reveals that the crystal shows normal dielectric behaviour. The growth process of SCTC crystal is analysed by etching study. The features of surface of grown crystal is analysed by SEM/EDAX spectrum. The third order nonlinear optical property is investigated for the grown crystal by z – scan technique and the results indicates that SCTC crystal should be a promising material for nonlinear optical device applications.