Growth and Characterization of Non-Linear Optical Single Crystal: L-cysteine Hydrochloride Monohydrate

Nonlinear optical single crystals of L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate (LCB) were grown by slow evaporation technique. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the crystal system and helped to determine lattice parameter values. Powder X-ray diffraction analyses were carried out and the diffraction patterns were indexed. The optical properties of the crystals were determined using UV-visible spectroscopy. Optical constants such as refractive index, extinction coefficient and electric susceptibility were determined from UV-visible spectroscopy. The Fourier transform infrared studies confirmed the various functional groups present in the grown crystal. The mechanical behaviour of the grown crystals was studied using Vicker's microhardness tester. The thermal analysis confirmed that the crystal was stable up to 108.7°C. The dielectric constant and the dielectric loss measurements were carried out for different temperatures and frequencies. Second harmonic generation of LCB crystal was investigated by the Kurtz powder technique.