ON DEMAND: Learn how to enhance uptime and quality control with next-gen vision sensors at Photonics Media's Summit!
Search
Menu
Excelitas Technologies Corp. - X-Cite Vitae LB 11/24
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.

scintillation crystal suppliers →

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.
Products & Suppliers
Related Categories


Explore Our Content
News
Features
Latest Products
Webinars
White Papers
All Things Photonics Podcast
Photonics Spectra Now
Videos
Our Summits & Conferences
Industry Events
Bookstore
Join Our Community
Subscribe
Advertise
Become a member
Sign in
Contribute a Feature
Suggest a Webinar
Submit a Press Release
Mobile Apps

About Us
Our Company
Our Publications
Contact Us
Career Opportunities
Teddi C. Laurin Scholarship

Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)



©2024 Photonics Media
100 West St.
Pittsfield, MA, 01201 USA
[email protected]
We use cookies to improve user experience and analyze our website traffic as stated in our Privacy Policy. By using this website, you agree to the use of cookies unless you have disabled them.