Structural, thermal, linear and nonlinear optical studies of an organic optical limiter based on reverse saturable absorption

A new derivative of chalcone, 3-(4-bromophenyl)-1-(pyridin-4-yl) prop-2-en-1-one (4BP4AP), crystallizing in centrosymmetric structure has been synthesized using the Claisen–Schmidt condensation reaction method. The FTIR and FT-Raman spectral studies were carried out on 4BP4AP for structural conformation. The single crystals were grown using slow evaporation solution growth technique. The single crystal XRD of the crystal shows that the crystal system of 4BP4AP is triclinic with space group P-1. Scanning electron microscope images enunciate the surface smoothness and the two dimensional growth mechanisms in the crystal. The crystal is transparent in the entire visible region as indicated by the UV-VIS-NIR spectrum. The thermal stability and phase transition of the compound was studied by thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetric analysis and found to be stable up to 200 °C. By performing the open aperture z-scan experiment, nonlinear absorption and optical limiting behavior of the crystal were studied. The crystal can be used for optoelectronic application due to its excellent photo-physical properties. [Display omitted] •Single crystals of an efficient optical limiter were grown by the slow evaporation solution growth technique.•Scanning Electron Microscope image reveals that the crystal has smooth surface morphology.•High melting point and no decomposition before melting point.•Wide transparency window covering entire visible region.•Optical limiting property due to reverse saturable absorption.