Insight Into Crystal Growth and Optical, Morphological, Compositional Properties of Glycine Oxalate Dihydrate (2:1 Molar Ratio) Single Crystals for Third Order Nonlinear Optical Applications

Abstract

Glycine oxalate dihydrate crystals in a 2:1 molar ratio were obtained through using the slow solvent evaporation technique at ambient conditions. The method yielded well-formed, high-quality single crystals over a controlled period, demonstrating reproducible growth under ambient  conditions. These crystals provide a reliable material for further studies on their third-order nonlinear optical applications. The nonlinear optical properties of the grown single crystal were investigated using the Z-scan technique. The open and closed aperture Z-scan measurements demonstrates a clear nonlinear absorption and refractive behaviour under laser excitation, confirming the presence of third-order nonlinear optical material. These results indicate the potential of the material for nonlinear optical device applications. SEM was utilized to analyze the surface morphology of the grown single crystals. The SEM images reveal well-defined crystalline grains with faceted, layered, and plate-like morphologies, indicating good crystallinity and anisotropic growth behaviour. The compact and uniform surface features confirm the efficient formation of good-quality single crystals.  Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis was performed to determine the elemental composition of the sample. The results indicated the presence of (C), (N), and (O), with weight percentages of 42.83 %, 20.19 %, and 36.97 %, respectively, reflecting the accurate and reliable quantification of these elements in accordance with standard compounds. The UV-DRS studies was performed to investigate the optical behaviour of the synthesized material through absorbance, and transmittance studies. The refractive index and reflectance spectra further elucidate the dielectric nature and optical stability of the material.