Growth and characterization of a new potential second harmonic generation material from the amino acid family: L-Valinium picrate

L-Valinium picrate (C5H12NO2)(+) center dot (C6H2N3O7)(-), a non-linear optical material from the amino acid family which has large second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency, was grown by slow evaporation method. Characterization of the crystals was made using single crystal X-ray diffraction. The functional groups and the modes of vibrations were found by using the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The second harmonic generation (SHG) conversion efficiency was investigated using the Kurtz and Perry method. The SHG conversion efficiency is 60 times higher than that of the standard KDP and 8 times higher than that of the standard Urea and the optical transparency was analyzed using UV-visible-NIR absorption spectrum. The structural features of the material leading to the large SHG efficiency are discussed. Microhardness and dielectric studies were also carried out. (C) 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.