Crystal growth, structural, spectral and mechanical studies of pure and KI doped ZTS single crystals

Pure and KI doped single crystals of ZTS were grown by slow evaporation technique. The grown crystals were subjected to X-ray diffraction, UV–visible spectrum, FTIR analysis, micro hardness studies, TGA/DSC and SHG. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the structure of grown crystal belongs to orthorhombic system. The mechanical property of the grown crystals has been analyzed by Vickers microhardness method. Optical transparency of the grown crystals was studied by UV–visible spectroscopic method. The functional groups and modes of vibrational frequencies have been identified by using FTIR spectral data. The thermal stability of the grown crystal was investigated using thermo gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC) studies. Second harmonic generation was confirmed by using Nd: YAG laser. The analysis results confirmed that these crystals have better nonlinearity and good mechanical strength than KDP.

► Optimization of growth parameters for single crystals of ZTS and KI doped ZTS. ► The shift in absorption band is attributed to the incorporation of KI in ZTS. ► Band gap of the grown crystal increased with addition of KI. ► Thermal stability and SHG efficiency of doped ZTS crystal is enhanced by KI dopant. ► As-grown ZTS crystal is of good quality and optically transparent.