A study on the properties of potassium pentaborate crystals

Potassium pentaborate (KB5) single crystals were grown by slow evaporation solution growth method and the properties of the grown crystals were investigated. Single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction studies were carried out to determine the crystal structure and lattice parameters of the grown crystals. The optical transmittance of the crystal was ascertained by recording UV–vis–NIR spectrum. Vibrational modes were assigned using FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra. Vickers hardness test estimates the mechanical properties for various loads. Thermal properties were investigated using TGA/DTA and DSC analysis. Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) was confirmed by Kurtz–Perry technique. Third order nonlinear optical properties nonlinear absorption coefficient, nonlinear refractive index and third order nonlinear susceptibility was calculated by Z-scan method using 632.8 nm He–Ne laser.