Structure property relationship of a new nonlinear optical organic crystal: 1-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-3-(3-fluorophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one for optical power limiting applications

A new organic potential nonlinear optical (NLO) material 1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-(3-fluorophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (DMP3FP) is crystallized in acetone. The single crystal X-ray diffraction data shows that material crystallizes into centro-symmetric orthorhombic space group Pbca with a = 15.6552(6) A, b = 8.5571(3) A, c = 20.7697(7) A. The functional groups in DMP3FP molecule are identified by Fourier Transfer Infrared (FTIR) spectra. The thermal stability and melting point are determined using thermo gravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA). Using UV Visible spectral studies direct band gap energy of the crystal is determined to be 3.19 eV. The nonlinear absorption coefficient and optical power limiting of the crystal was studied using Z-scan technique. The crystal exhibits a self-focusing effect at a wavelength of 532 nm showing optical limiting and reverse saturable absorption by having excited state absorption coefficient greater than ground state absorption coefficient.