Synthesis, growth and characterization of a novel semiorganic NLO crystal: Triglycine calcium dibromide

Triglycine calcium dibromide, a new semiorganic nonlinear optical material, has been grown by slow solvent evaporation technique for the first time. The size of the grown crystal is up to the dimension of 20 x 12 x 4 mm(3). They were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction for confirming the coordination formed and FTIR spectral analysis for identifying the functional groups present in the compound. Optical behavior such as UV-vis-NIR transmission spectrum and second-harmonic generation were investigated to explore the NLO characteristics of the material. Thermal analysis was carried out to determine the melting point and the thermal stability of the grown crystal. Dielectric constant and dielectric loss measurements were carried out at different temperatures and frequencies. Mechanical studies were carried out on the as-grown crystal to find Vicker's microhardness and yield strength. Laser damage threshold studies were also performed on the as-grown crystal. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.