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Pixellated Arrays
Offering pixellated array assemblies that include crystals such as CdW04, CsI(Tl), BGO, and LYSO or other materials such as scintillating plastic. Saint-Gobain can also produce crystal arrays made from other materials not grown by Saint-Gobain. We offer a variety of design options and reflector materials to optimize array performance for your application. Saint Gobain’s manufacturing process ensures high light output as well as an excellent pixel to pixel uniformity with minimal crosstalk. Linear arrays are used quite often in security type applications (airport baggage scanners) whereas 2D arrays are used more in medical imaging applications. Both types are also found in non-destructive testing/inspection machines. The type of material depends on the application, and the information being sought.
The optimal material choice involves a combination of factors including the application, the photo readout device to be used, etc. For example, if the application calls for rapid detection of radiation pulses, then the decay time and afterglow drive the choice (BGO, LYSO, CdWO4). If high efficiency and low cost are paramount, then NaI(Tl) with a PMT readout or CsI(Tl) with a photodiode readout are the first detectors to consider. The physical properties of each material must be considered as well. For example, the natural cleavage plane in CdWO4 restricts the minimum size of 2D pixels. Saint-Gobain’s technical experts can help guide your decision.
Talk to us about your application or request a quotation.
Linear Array Assemblies (single row of pixels) – Most common use of linear arrays are baggage scanners, cargo inspection, and other non-destructive testing. Common scintillating materials (but not limited to) for these applications are CdW04, LYSO, and CsI(Tl). When used in a medical application, crystals such as LYSO are used in Bone Mineral Densitometry machines.
2D Array Assemblies (pixels arranged in an X-Y matrix) – Most common use of 2D arrays are Medical scanners (PET, SPECT, CT), and non-destructive testing and inspection. Common scintillating materials (but not limited to) for these applications are LYSO, BGO, and CsI(Tl).
Features/Benefits
Features include minimal pixel separation, reduced optical crosstalk, excellent pixel to pixel uniformity as well as array to array (batch to batch) uniformity. Saint-Gobain also offers a fully integrated design with several choices of readout devices including photodiodes, PSPMTs, or SiPMs, or any customer-supplied devices.
Design Options
There are many design options in terms of pixel size, the number of pixels, pixel separator materials (reflective and/or radiation barrier) and crystal surface finishes. Linear array assemblies are typically used with pixelated photodiodes. 2D arrays are typically used with pixelated photodiodes, position-sensitive photomultiplier tubes (PSPMT) and silicon photomultipliers (SiPM).