Effect of copper on the growth morphology and characterization of zinc mercury thiocyanate crystals

Single crystals of copper doped zinc mercury thiocyanate ZnHg(SCN)4 have been successfully grown by diffusion process in silica gel medium at a pH of 2.8. The crystals were characterized using X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV optical studies, SHG studies EDAX and thermogravimetric analysis. Strong absorption bands due to SCN were revealed and UV cut off wavelength was recorded. The crystal system was identified as tetragonal-disphenoidal class with I4¯ space group which is a modified system in the family of ZMTC crystals. The copper doped ZMTC single crystal exhibits enhanced nonlinear optical properties compared to pure ZMTC.