Growth and characterization of nonlinear optical zinc hydrogen phosphate single crystal grown in silica gel

Abstract

Good optical quality single crystals of zinc hydrogen phosphate (ZnHPO 4) having dimensions up to 8×2×2 mm3 have been grown with the aid of sodium meta silicate gel. Single crystal XRD studies confirm that the crystal belongs to the orthorhombic system with space group P212121. The functional groups present in the crystals were confirmed using FTIR technique. Optical absorbance shows very low absorption in the entire visible region. Differential thermal and thermo gravimetric analysis confirmed that the crystal is stable up to 193°C. Photoconductivity study reveals positive photoconductivity in the presence of photo active centers formed by trap energy levels. The NLO activity of the crystal was confirmed by Kurtz powder technique. © 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.