Crystallization kinetics and high-resolution X-ray diffraction analysis on nonlinear optical l-threonine single crystals

Crystallization parameters such as critical radius, critical free energy and volume free energy change have been evaluated for l-threonine single crystals using homogeneous nucleation theory. Metastable zone width and induction period measurements have been carried out experimentally. Interfacial energy values for the aqueous solution of l-threonine were also calculated from the solubility data. Optimization of growth parameters has been tried for bulk crystal growth and it has been discussed in detail. The crystalline quality of the bulk samples grown at different pH values have been tested by high-resolution X-ray diffraction analysis.