BGO Array
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
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.
