Growth, spectral, optical, thermal, surface analysis and third order nonlinear optical properties of an organic single crystal: 1-(2-Methyl-6-nitro-4-phenyl-3-quinolyl) ethanone.

Single crystal of 1-(2-Methyl-6-nitro-4-phenyl-3-quinolyl) ethanone was grown using slow evaporation solution growth technique. Single crystal X-ray diffraction study reveals the lattice parameters of the grown crystal. The modes of vibration of different molecular groups present in 2M6NQE were identified by FTIR spectral analysis. Its optical behavior was examined through UV-vis-NIR absorption and PL emission spectrum. They signify that the crystal has transparency in the region between 383 and 1100 nm. The PL spectrum of the title compound shows green emission in the crystal. From the thermal analysis, 2M6NQE has found to be thermally stable up to 263°C, and the melting point of the material is 170°C. The estimations of third order non-linear optical properties like non-linear absorption coefficient (β), non-linear refractive index (n2) and susceptibility [χ(3)] were calculated using Z-scan technique. It has observed that, crystal exhibits reverse saturation absorption and self-defocusing performance. Etching study was carried out for the grown crystal using different solvents.