Growth and characterisation of L-cystine doped TGS crystals

Single crystals of L-cystine doped triglycine sulfate (LCTGS) were grown fr om aqueous solution by low temperature solution growth technique. Morpholog ical changes were observed on the grown crystals. Crystalline quality and c ell parameter values were found using rocking curve and powder X-ray diffra ction analysis, respectively. The presence of L-cystine in LCTGS was estima ted qualitatively by FTIR analysis. Microhardness studies were carried out using Leitz Weitzler hardness tester at room temperature. The dielectric st udies were carried out to identify the phase transition temperature and to find the dielectric constant. P-E hysteresis studies were done to find the values of spontaneous polarisation and coercive field for both pure and dop ed TGS crystals. Scanning electron microscopic investigations on uncoated b -cut plates were carried out to visualise the lenticular domains. AFM studi es on the cleaved b-cut plate were carried out to understand the ferroelect ric surface and the domain structure. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All ri ghts reserved.