Growth and characterization of semiorganic non-linear optical LHB single crystal

Single crystals of l-histidine bromide monohydrate (LHB), a semiorganic nonlinear (NLO) material have been successfully grown up to a size of 22 mm × 20 mm × 9 mm. Morphology of the crystal was identified using CAD4-X-ray diffractometer. Thermal analysis of LHB crystal shows that the crystal starts its decomposition at 133.9 °C. The microhardness studies of the crystal confirm anisotropy in the work hardening co-efficients for different orientations. Microstructural imperfections of the LHB crystal have been studied by etching. Photoconductivity studies of LHB reveals that it exhibits positive photoconductivity.