Bulk single crystal growth and characterization of l-leucine – A nonlinear optical material

Single crystals of nonlinear optical material l-leucine were grown by slow evaporation at constant temperature 35 °C from its aqueous solution. Studies on structural, optical and dielectric properties of the crystal have been carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), UV–vis–NIR transmission study, second harmonic generation (SHG) test and dielectric measurements. SHG efficiency of l-leucine is twice that of urea. l-leucine is thermally stable up to 268 °C. Morphology of the crystal is also determined by using crystallographic data.

► Nonlinear optical (NLO) crystal l-leucine was grown by solvent evaporation.
► Second harmonic efficiency of l-leucine is double of urea.
► Melting point of l-leucine (268 °C) is greater than other organic NLO crystal.
► Crystals of l-leucine are transparent over the entire UV–vis–NIR region.