Bulk growth of Iminodiacetic acid single crystal and its characterization for nonlinear optical applications

A bulk size transparent nonlinear organic single crystal of Iminodiacetic acid was harvested using slow evaporation solution growth technique in controlled atmosphere with a span of 4 weeks. The structural properties of titled crystal were examined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The quality of the ingot was determined by high-resolution X-ray diffraction and found that the sample is free from grain boundaries. From UV–Vis analysis, one can understand that there is less absorption in the entire wavelength range of visible region and observed cut-off wavelength is 242 nm. From photoluminescence analysis, the emission of wavelength is identified at 421 nm. Mechanical strength and various parameters like work-hardening coefficient and stiffness constant of ingot was measured using Vickers microhardness test and corresponding experimental data had been explained using distinct theoretical models. The variation measurement of dielectric constant and dielectric loss in respect of frequency was carried out to compute the electronic polarizability of titled compound using Penn model. The detailed analysis of third-harmonic generation was executed using Z-scan method. The values of nonlinear refractive index (n₂) and two photon absorption coefficient (β) were obtained to be 2.19 × 10⁻¹⁷ cm² W⁻¹ and 4.25 × 10⁻¹² cm W⁻¹, respectively. The higher value of coupling factor suggests nonlinear absorption is more dominant and the crystal is suitable for optical limiting application.