Growth, optical, spectral and thermal characterization of brucinium hydrogen fumarate sesquihydrate: An organic material for optical applications

Brucinium hydrogen fumarate sesquihydrate (BHF), an organic nonlinear optical material, has been synthesized and single crystals were grown from acetone–water mixed solution. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that BHF belongs to the monoclinic crystal system with space group C2. The crystalline perfection of the BHF crystal was analyzed by high-resolution X-ray diffraction study. The UV–Vis spectrum of BHF showed about 70% transparency in the visible region. The material shows a strong dispersion of refractive indices in the visible region and a large birefringence (0.540–0.461). The grown crystal was thermally stable up to 162.4 °C. The molecular structure of the crystal was confirmed by FT-IR and FT-Raman spectroscopic techniques and complete vibration analysis of the molecule have also been made. The laser damage threshold value of the BHF is found to be 13.64 GW/cm2 and hence BHF can be used in frequency doubler systems. The measured specific heat capacity lies between 1.495 and 4.45 J/gK at 45 and 175 °C, respectively, and of values greater than potassium dihydrogen phosphate crystal.