Growth and properties of novel organic nonlinear optical crystal: l-alaninium tartrate (LAT)

A new organic nonlinear optical crystal l-alaninium tartrate (LAT) has been grown by slow evaporation method at room temperature. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies reveal that the crystal has monoclinic structure with space group P21. From FT-IR spectrum, the CH vibrations of tartaric acid generate peaks at 2977 and 2960 cm−1. The thermal studies indicate that the grown LAT is stable up to 118 °C, SHG measurements and UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy. Photoconductivity studies of LAT reveal its negative photoconducting nature. The second harmonic generation efficiency of LAT crystal is found to be 174 mV. The laser damage threshold is found to be 8.16 GW/cm2. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the crystal were studied as a function of frequency and the results are discussed. The AC/DC conductivity studies are carried out and reported for the first time.