Non-linear Optical Properties of α-glycine Single Crystals by Z-scan Technique

Single crystals of α-Glycine up to the size of 4 × 4 × 1 mm³ were grown for optical characterization by the solution growth method using methanol as a solvent. The crystal structure was studied by X-ray diffraction. The UV-visual absorption spectra indicate a good transparency between 200 and 1400 nm. The non-linear refractive index n₂ and susceptibility χ ⁽³⁾ have been measured through the Z-scan technique. α-Glycine exhibits saturation absorption and self-focusing performance. Non-linear absorption co-efficient β is determined as 2.4763 x 10 ^-5 cm/W. Non-linear refractive index n₂ measured at the wavelength of 632.8 nm is calculated as 2.14435 x 10^-8 cm²/W. The real and imaginary pars of χ ⁽³⁾ have been measured at 632.8 nm and found to be 7.9732 x 10^-07 esu and 8.0018 x 10^-07 esu, respectively. The measured 3rd order non-linear properties confirm its suitability for non-linear optical devices such as optical switching device.