Organic/inorganic-doped aromatic derivative crystals: Growth and properties

• m-DNB and benzil could be grown in the same experimental conditions.
• Iodine dopant increases the optical band gap of m-DNB.
• Iodine dopant increases the SHG intensity in m-DNB crystal.
• Iodine dopant decreases the TPF intensity in benzil crystal.

Results of a comparative study on the growth from melt by the Bridgman–Stockbarger method of meta-dinitrobenzene (m-DNB) and benzil (Bz) crystals in the same experimental set-up and the same experimental conditions are presented. The incorporation of an inorganic (iodine) dopant in m-DNB was analyzed in the given experimental conditions from the point of view of the solid–liquid interface stability. The limits for a stable growth and the conditions that favor the generation of morphological instability are emphasized. These limits for m-DNB are compatible with those previously determined for Bz, and therefore, even for a high gradient concentration at the growth interface, it is possible to grow m-DNB and Bz crystals in the same experimental conditions characterized by a high ΔT and v. The optical properties were investigated in relation with the dopant incorporation in the crystal in the mentioned experimental conditions. Effects of the dopant (m-DNB/iodine in Bz and iodine in m-DNB) on the optical band gap and optical non-linear properties of the crystals are discussed.