Definition of scintillation crystal

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Photonics Dictionary

scintillation crystal: A scintillation crystal, also known simply as a scintillator, is a material that emits light when it interacts with ionizing radiation such as gamma rays, x-rays, or charged particles. The emitted light, known as scintillation light, is typically in the visible or ultraviolet range and is proportional to the energy deposited by the incident radiation in the crystal.

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Scintillation crystals are commonly used in radiation detection and measurement systems, including medical imaging devices like gamma cameras and positron emission tomography (PET) scanners, as well as in scientific research instruments and radiation monitoring equipment.

The properties of scintillation crystals vary depending on the specific application requirements, including the type and energy of the radiation to be detected, the desired sensitivity, and the temporal and spatial resolution needed. Common materials used as scintillation crystals include sodium iodide (NaI), cesium iodide (CsI), bismuth germanate (BGO), lutetium oxyorthosilicate (LSO), and cerium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG:Ce), among others.

Scintillation crystals work based on the principle that when ionizing radiation interacts with the crystal lattice, it produces excited states or free electrons. As these excited states or electrons relax to their ground state, they emit photons (light) with wavelengths characteristic of the scintillation material. The emitted light is then typically detected by photodetectors such as photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) or silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs), which convert the light into electrical signals that can be processed and analyzed to determine the characteristics of the incident radiation.

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