Binary organic single crystals for nonlinear optical application

An organic binary system benzil:2-methyl-4-nitroaniline(MNA) which takes advantage of thermal stability and high second-order nonlinearity in an effort to find new modified materials for nonlinear optical application is described. This combination improves its processability and mechanical properties. A new design consisting of a self-sealing ampoule has been successfully used to grow bulk crystals of benzil:MNA using the Bridgman-Stockbarger technique. The Vickers hardness is found to be 13 kg/mm(2) with a second-harmonic conversion efficiency of 5 wt% benzil:MNA determined to be 1.5% using a Nd:YAG laser.