Optical properties of KDP crystals doped with pyrenetetrasulfonic acid salt

KDP crystals with incorporated molecules of the luminophore 1,3,6,8-pyrenetetrasulfonic acid tetrasodium salt (SPA) were grown from KH2PO4 solutions by the temperature lowering method. The luminescence spectra of KDP/SPA crystals and SPA solutions in distilled water and in KH2PO4 solutions, were studied. The increase of the dye content gives rise to excimer luminescence in the solutions and in KDP crystals, which is due to the formation of associated dye molecules. SPA molecules possessing negative electrostatic potential are incorporated into the pyramidal growth sector of KDP crystal.

► KDP crystals with molecules of the pyrene derivates (SPA) were grown.
► In the KDP crystals the monomer and excimer luminescence of SPA are observed.
► The SPA molecules form associates in KDP crystal (growth sector {101}).