Engineering Overview

BGO Array

BGO array is a high-density pixelated scintillator array used when detector designs need compact gamma-ray stopping power, stable non-hygroscopic handling and strong absorption in a limited space. BGO scintillator arrays are often reviewed for gamma detection, anti-Compton shields, high-energy physics detector modules, calorimeters and imaging systems where timing speed is less critical than stopping efficiency.ATR Crystal manufactures custom BGO linear and 2D scintillator arrays according to pixel size, final pitch, pixel count, array thickness, reflector material, readout face, surface finish and photosensor matching requirements. Array layouts can be reviewed for PMT, SiPM, PSPMT or photodiode readout, with reflector selection adjusted to support light collection, pixel-to-pixel uniformity and optical crosstalk control.For more custom detector layouts, review our pixelated scintillator array category for SiPM, PMT and imaging module integration.

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BGO Scintillator Array for PET, Gamma Detection and High-Energy Applications

BGO Array is a pixelated array made from bismuth germanate, Bi4Ge3O12, a dense oxide scintillator with high atomic number, good mechanical stability and non-hygroscopic behavior. BGO is used where gamma-ray stopping power and compact detector geometry are more important than very high light output.

ATR Crystal supplies custom BGO arrays for PET, high-energy physics, nuclear medicine, geological exploration and gamma-ray spectroscopy. Pixel count, pixel size, reflector material, reflector thickness, surface finish, array pitch, optical coupling and packaging can be reviewed according to detector design.

Standard design references include 4×4, 8×8, 16×16, 24×24 and 30×30 pixel arrays, with custom formats available. The listed minimum pixel size is 0.2 mm x 0.2 mm, subject to processing feasibility, reflector design and handling requirements.

Applications of BGO Array

Positron emission tomography detector modules

High-energy physics detector systems

Nuclear medicine and compact gamma detectors

Geological exploration and well logging instruments

Gamma-ray spectroscopy and active Compton shields

Custom high-density scintillator array modules

Advantages of BGO Array

High densityBGO density is listed as 7.13 g/cm3, supporting compact gamma-ray detector designs.
High-Z compositionBismuth content provides strong interaction probability for gamma-ray detection.
Good photopeak-to-Compton ratioBGO is often selected when high stopping power is required.
Non-hygroscopic materialBGO does not require moisture-sealed encapsulation like NaI(Tl).
Fine pixel capabilityMinimum pixel size is listed as 0.2 mm x 0.2 mm, subject to custom array review.
Multiple reflector optionsBaSO4, ESR, E60 and TiO2 reflectors can be reviewed according to optical isolation and array design.

Specifications of BGO Array

Array Item	Typical Option	Notes
Number of pixels	4×4, 8×8, 16×16, 24×24, 30×30 and custom formats	Pixel count can be customized according to detector layout.
Minimum pixel size	0.2 mm x 0.2 mm	Subject to array thickness, reflector and machining feasibility.
Custom structure	Offset and multilayer BGO arrays can be reviewed	Provide drawing and readout layout for review.

Reflector Types and Thicknesses of BGO Array

Material	Thickness of Reflector Material + Adhesive
BaSO4	>=0.1 mm
ESR	0.08 mm
E60	0.075 mm
TiO2	>=0.1 mm

Properties of BGO Crystal

Property	Typical Value
Density	7.13 g/cm3
Melting point	1323 K
Thermal expansion coefficient	7 x 10^-6 C^-1
Cleavage plane	None
Hardness	5 Mohs
Hygroscopic	No
Wavelength of emission maximum	480 nm
Refractive index at emission maximum	2.15
Primary decay time	300 ns
Light yield	8 to 10 photons/keV gamma
Photoelectron yield for gamma rays	15% to 20% of NaI(Tl)
Afterglow	0.005% at 3 ms

Quality Control for BGO Array

Inspection Item	Typical Requirement
Dimension testing	Pixel size, pitch, total size and thickness inspection according to drawing.
Relative light output testing	Pixel and array light response can be tested by agreed method.
Pixel light output uniformity	<=10%, <=20%, <=30% or custom requirement on request.
Energy resolution testing	Available according to detector design and test setup.
Scatter map	Used to review pixel response and optical cross-talk behavior.

BGO Array vs. Related Scintillator Arrays

Array Material	Main Advantage	Best Fit	Design Notes
BGO	High density and high-Z stopping power	PET, high-energy gamma detection and compact arrays	Light yield is lower than LYSO(Ce), CsI(Tl) and NaI(Tl).
LYSO(Ce) Array	Fast decay, high density and high light output	PET and timing-sensitive detectors	Contains lutetium intrinsic background.
CsI(Tl) Array	High light output and good photodiode matching	X-ray imaging and photodiode-readout modules	Afterglow and decay behavior should be reviewed.
CdWO4 Array	Low afterglow and radiation resistance	CT and security inspection	Decay time is much slower than BGO and LYSO(Ce).

BGO Array RFQ Checklist

RFQ Item	Information to Provide
Application	PET, high-energy physics, nuclear medicine, geological exploration, spectroscopy or custom detector.
Array geometry	Pixel count, pixel size, pitch, thickness, total size, offset structure and drawing.
Reflector	BaSO4, ESR, E60, TiO2, reflector thickness and optical isolation requirement.
Optical processing	Surface finish, coupling face, backing, sensor interface and packaging.
Quality target	Light output uniformity, energy resolution, cross-talk, scatter map and inspection report.
Order information	Prototype quantity, batch quantity, packaging and delivery schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BGO array used for?

BGO arrays are used for PET, high-energy physics, nuclear medicine, geological exploration, gamma-ray spectroscopy and compact high-density detector modules.

What is the minimum BGO pixel size?

The listed minimum pixel size is 0.2 mm x 0.2 mm, subject to array thickness, reflector and processing feasibility.

Is BGO hygroscopic?

No. BGO is non-hygroscopic, which simplifies handling compared with NaI(Tl) and LaBr3(Ce).

What reflector materials are available for BGO arrays?

Listed options include BaSO4, ESR, E60 and TiO2, with thickness depending on material and array design.

BGO Scintillator Array Quotation Requirements

For a custom BGO scintillator array quotation, please provide pixel size, final pitch, number of pixels, array thickness, reflector material, reflector thickness, readout face requirement, photosensor model and drawing if available. BGO arrays are useful when the detector needs compact gamma stopping power, pixelated geometry and stable non-hygroscopic crystal handling.

If the project is still at the material comparison stage, start with the BGO scintillation crystal page or compare BGO with LYSO(Ce) using the LYSO vs BGO scintillator selection guide.