Growth and characterization of a new non-linear optical barium strontium borate (BSB) single crystal

The growth of a new inorganic mixed borate of barium strontium borate (BSB) is reported by solution growth technique for the first time. The structure of the grown crystal has been identified by single crystal X-ray diffraction method. The exact percentage of barium and strontium present in the mixed borate crystal system is quantified by atomic absorption spectroscopic analysis. The second harmonic generation of the material has been confirmed by Kurtz-Perry powder technique. The NLO efficiency of the crystal is found to be 1.25 times higher than that of KDP crystal. Laser damage threshold study indicates that BSB has a competent damage threshold value of 6.9 GW cm(-2). Optical absorption spectrum confirms a wide optical transmission window for the sample. The TG and DTA indicate the weight loss starting around 100 degrees C and melts at 153.9 degrees C. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss of BSB are measured in the frequency range of 500 Hz to 5 MHz at different temperatures. The photoluminescence (PL) study indicates that both barium and strontium independently contribute to electron excitation and the maximum emission occurs at 408.98 nm. The surface feature of the BSB single crystal has been studied by SEM. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.