Linear and nonlinear optical, mechanical, electrical and surface studies of a novel nonlinear optical crystal - Manganese mercury thiocyanate (MMTC)

The highly efficient nonlinear optical single crystal of manganese mercury thiocyanate has been grown from slow evaporation solvent technique. The second harmonic generation and optical transmittance of the grown crystal are studied by Kurtz and Perry powder technique and spectroscopic absorbance spectrum. Mechanical behaviour is analyzed using Vickers microhardness test. The dielectric response of the grown crystal is studied as a function of the temperature and the results are discussed. Further, electronic properties such as plasma energy, Penngap, Fermi energy and electronic polarizability are evaluated. Third order nonlinear optical studies are performed using by single beam Z-scan technique using Nd:YAG laser and parameters such as nonlinear refractive index n(2), absorption co-efficient beta and nonlinear optical susceptibility chi((3)) are evaluated for the grown crystal. The surface of the grown crystal is analyzed with field emission scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope analyses. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.