Growth and characterization of succinic acid-mixed KHP crystal for NLO applications

Abstract

Semiorganic single crystals of succinic acid-mixed potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHPSA) were grown from an aqueous solution by the slow evaporation method at room temperature. The structural properties of the grown crystals have been studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis. Ultraviolet (UV)–visible spectral analysis showed that the mixed crystal has a lower UV cutoff wavelength of 226 nm combined with good transparency of about 55% in a very wide range. The second harmonic generation efficiency test has been carried out and the results are discussed. Thermogravimetric–differential thermal analyses were carried out to characterize the melting behavior and thermal stability of the mixed crystal. The hardness profile of the sample is investigated by using the Vickers microhardness test. The electrical properties have been studied by carrying out dielectric constant studies. Determination of the microstructure and composition of the KHPSA crystal has been carried out by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy.