Studies on growth and characterization of nicotinium tartrate single crystal: An efficient organic nonlinear optical material

Organic single crystal of nicotinium tartrate (NT), an efficient nonlinear optical (NLO) material for frequency conversion, has been grown at a constant temperature at 40∘C within a period of 20 days by slow evaporation solution technique (SEST). Structural information and lattice dimensions were determined using powder X-ray diffractometer (PXRD) analysis. The functional groups and vibrational frequencies were identified using FTIR spectrum analysis with the range of 4000–450cm−1. Mechanical properties of the grown crystal were studied using Vickers microhardness tester. The optical properties of grown crystal were investigated using UV–Vis NIR spectrum analysis and it is confirmed that the crystal has very low absorption in the entire visible region. The dislocations and defects were studied by photoluminescence spectrum. The crystal has single stage melting, which was observed at 180∘C and there was no decomposition before its melting point. Piezoelectric, photoconductivity and chemical etching analysis have also been performed on the grown NT single crystals and the observed results were discussed. Nonlinear optical property of the material was measured using the powder Kurtz–Perry technique.