Abstract
High-end nonlinear optical devices demand superior quality KH2PO4 crystal and to meet this necessity slow solvent evaporation technique is employed to grow optical quality potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate (KH2PO4, KDOP) crystal by doping tartaric acid (TA) and special attention is devoted to optimize the defect influenced properties of KDOP crystal. The incorporation of TA in KDOP crystal matrix is evaluated by employing energy dispersive spectroscopic technique. The crystalline phase and structural dimensions of pure and TA doped KDOP crystal is evaluated by means of powder X-ray diffraction analysis. The luminescence behavior of TA doped KDOP crystal is examined in visible region and violet colored emission is evidenced at 408 nm. The Vickers microhardness studies are carried out to uncover the constructive influence of TA on hardness and elastic stiffness coefficient of KDOP crystal. Impressive role of TA in minimizing defect density and improving the surface growth mechanism of KDOP crystal is explored by chemical etching analysis. The thermogravimetric analysis curve is traced within 30-650 degrees C and TA doped KDOP crystal is found thermally stale up to 233 degrees C. The results are appraised to propose the suitability of TA doped KDOP crystal for distinct applications.