Growth and characterization of semi-organic, second and third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) L-phenylalanine cadmium bromide (LPCB) single crystals

A successful synthesis and characterization of L-Phenylalanine cadmium bromide (C9H11NO2 CdBr2) has been accomplished. There were several characterizations carried out on the crystal. An X-ray diffraction pattern for a single crystal provides information concerning its lattice parameters a = 10.164 Å, b = 5.62 Å, c = 12.09 Å, β = 109.115°, and space group P21. UV–Vis analysis determined the lower cut-off wavelength 242 nm and the optical transmission window. It has a high transparency of 80 to 90%, and its high energy gap (5.12 eV) makes, it an ideal material for optoelectronics. It was confirmed that the compound had functional groups using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Crystals were analyzed in the frequency range of 50 Hz–200 kHz for ambient temperature dielectric response. Fluorescence spectral analysis of LPCB luminescence behavior was carried out. As-grown crystals were subjected to SEM analysis to determine their surface morphology. The chemical composition of the crystal was determined via energy-dispersive X-ray imaging. To calculate the physical properties of LPCB, microhardness testing was conducted these parameters include elastic stiffness constant, fracture toughness, brittleness index, and Vicker’s microhardness. A Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser beam measured crystal damage threshold activity. Kurtz-Perry powder efficiency measurements were conducted to determine 1.5 times higher than that of KDP and whether this material suits NLO applications. The Z-Scan method was used to investigate an encouraging third-order nonlinear property. Using a Nd: YAG laser with a wavelength of 532 nm, the nonlinear absorption coefficient was found to be 0.65 × 10–10 m/W, and the optical limiting threshold fluence was found to be 2.42 × 1012 W/m2. LPCB is an attractive candidate for optical limiting devices because of these findings.