GAGG(Ce) Array
Cerium-doped gadolinium aluminum gallium garnet, GAGG(Ce), is a non-hygroscopic scintillation crystal used for gamma detection, X-ray imaging, SPECT research, security inspection and compact SiPM-based detector modules. It offers high light output, good density, a relatively short decay time and no Lu-176 intrinsic background, making it useful when a detector design needs stable handling and efficient photon detection. ATR Crystal manufactures custom GAGG(Ce) linear and 2D scintillator arrays according to pixel size, final pitch, pixel count, array thickness, reflector material, readout face and photosensor matching requirements. Array layouts can be reviewed for SiPM, PMT, PSPMT or photodiode readout, with surface finishing and reflector selection adjusted to support light collection, pixel-to-pixel uniformity…
Built around your specification
- Array type
- Linear array, 2D pixelated array, offset array, or customized detector layout
- Linear array examples
- 1×8, 1×16, 1×32, 1×64, or customized layouts
- 2D array examples
- 8×8, 16×16, 64×64, or customized layouts
- Minimum pixel size
- Down to 0.2 x 0.2 mm when geometry and yield allow
Final specifications and acceptance criteria are confirmed for the quoted configuration.
Request a quotationOverview
What Is a GAGG(Ce) Scintillator Array?
GAGG(Ce) scintillator arrays are pixelated detector components made from cerium-doped gadolinium aluminum gallium garnet. The material is known for high light output, good energy resolution, non-hygroscopic handling, and no lutetium-related intrinsic background.
In an array, individual GAGG(Ce) pixels are separated by reflector material to control light sharing and improve position-sensitive gamma or X-ray detection. This makes GAGG(Ce) arrays useful for medical imaging, security inspection, gamma-ray detection, high-energy physics, and low-background detector modules.
ATR Crystal manufactures custom linear and 2D GAGG(Ce) arrays according to pixel size, pixel count, reflector material, surface finish, detector readout, and light-output uniformity requirements.
Advantages of GAGG(Ce) Pixelated Arrays
- High light outputGAGG(Ce) variants can provide high signal output, supporting good detector sensitivity and energy resolution.
- No intrinsic background from Lu-176Unlike LYSO-based scintillators, GAGG(Ce) does not contain lutetium, which is useful in low-background applications.
- Non-hygroscopic handlingThe material is chemically stable and does not require hermetic sealing like NaI(Tl) or CsI(Na).
- Fine pixel customizationCustom pixel size, pitch, and array layout can be designed for the target readout device and spatial resolution.
- Reflector optimizationBaSO4, ESR, E60, TiO2, PTFE, and custom reflector systems can be selected to balance light collection and crosstalk.
- Multiple material variantsHigh light output, low afterglow, fast decay, and balanced types are available for different detector requirements.
Design and Quality Control
- Pixel geometry inspectionPixel size, total array dimensions, pitch, and edge condition are checked against the drawing.
- Light output testingArray light output and pixel-to-pixel uniformity can be tested according to project requirements.
- Crosstalk controlReflector thickness, bonding process, and optical isolation are selected to match the detector design.
- Afterglow option selectionLow-afterglow material can be selected for CT or high-frame-rate imaging designs where residual signal matters.
- Readout matchingArray geometry can be matched to SiPM, PSPMT, photodiode, or optical imaging readout.
- Custom drawing reviewATR Crystal can review pixel layout, tolerance, and reflector requirements before production.
Related selection guide
GAGG vs LYSO Scintillator: Timing, Light Output & Detector Selection
Specifications
GAGG(Ce) Array Specifications
Array Geometry and Assembly Options
| Item | Typical Options |
|---|---|
| Array type | Linear array, 2D pixelated array, offset array, or customized detector layout |
| Linear array examples | 1×8, 1×16, 1×32, 1×64, or customized layouts |
| 2D array examples | 8×8, 16×16, 64×64, or customized layouts |
| Minimum pixel size | Down to 0.2 x 0.2 mm when geometry and yield allow |
| Reflector materials | BaSO4, ESR, E60, TiO2, Teflon / PTFE, or custom reflector |
| Surface finish | Polished, roughened, painted, or application-specific finish |
| Readout matching | SiPM array, PSPMT, photodiode, CCD / CMOS coupling, or custom readout |
Reflector Material and Typical Thickness
| Reflector Material | Typical Reflector + Adhesive Thickness |
|---|---|
| BaSO4 | Greater than or equal to 0.1 mm |
| ESR | Approx. 0.08 mm |
| E60 | Approx. 0.075 mm |
| TiO2 | Greater than or equal to 0.1 mm |
GAGG(Ce) Material Variants
These listed material-grade values are reference data for initial selection. The light-yield column describes scintillation photons, not detected photoelectrons. Energy resolution depends on crystal dimensions, photosensor and measurement conditions. Confirm the proposed grade, test conditions and acceptance limits during quotation.
| Type | Listed light yield (photons/MeV) | Decay Time | Afterglow | Listed energy resolution with 137Cs (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High light output type | 54,000 | <150 ns | <=0.10% @ 20 ms | 6 |
| Low afterglow type | 45,000 | <70 ns | <=0.02% @ 20 ms | 6 |
| Fast decay time type | 30,000 | <50 ns | <=0.10% @ 20 ms | 7 |
| Balanced type | 42,000 | <90 ns | <=0.10% @ 20 ms | 6 |
Physical and Scintillation Properties
| Parameter | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Emission peak wavelength | 520 nm |
| Refractive index at peak wavelength | 1.9 |
| Density | 6.6 g/cm3 |
| Energy resolution with 137Cs | Approx. 6-7%, depending on material type and test condition |
| Radiation hardness | 10^5 rad |
| Crystal structure | Cubic garnet structure |
| Cleavage plane | No |
| Hygroscopicity | Non-hygroscopic |
| Mohs hardness | 8 |
GAGG(Ce) Array vs. LYSO(Ce) Array
GAGG(Ce) and LYSO(Ce) arrays are both used for high-performance radiation imaging, but they are not interchangeable in every design. GAGG(Ce) is often selected when high light output, no lutetium intrinsic background, and non-hygroscopic handling are priorities. LYSO(Ce) is often selected for very fast timing applications such as TOF-PET.
| Design Point | GAGG(Ce) Array | LYSO(Ce) Array |
|---|---|---|
| Light output | High; variant-dependent | High, but typically lower than high-output GAGG(Ce) |
| Intrinsic background | No Lu-176 intrinsic background | Contains Lu-176 intrinsic background |
| Timing | Variant-dependent, typically slower than LYSO(Ce) | Strong choice for fast timing and TOF-PET |
| Emission peak | 520 nm | 420 nm |
| Typical use | Low-background imaging, CT, gamma detection, security systems | PET, TOF-PET, high-rate gamma detection |
Applications
Applications of GAGG(Ce) Arrays
Gamma-ray detection and imaging modules
X-ray medical imaging and CT detector research
Security inspection and radiation imaging systems
High-energy physics detector modules
PET-CT and compact gamma detector development
SPECT, spectroscopy, and low-background measurement setups
Ordering
GAGG(Ce) Array Quotation Requirements
For a custom GAGG(Ce) array quotation, please provide pixel size, final pitch, number of pixels, array thickness, reflector material, reflector thickness, readout face requirement, external wrapping, photosensor model and drawing if available. The final pitch should include reflector and bonding layers, especially when the array must match a SiPM or photodiode matrix.
If the project is still a material evaluation rather than a fixed array design, a monolithic GAGG(Ce) scintillation crystal may be a better first sample. For material-level selection notes, read the GAGG crystal selection guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose GAGG(Ce) arrays instead of LYSO(Ce) arrays?
Is GAGG(Ce) hygroscopic?
What GAGG(Ce) material type should I choose?
Can ATR Crystal make custom pixel sizes and layouts?
What information is needed for a quotation?
For alignment with a SiPM matrix, also mark the sensor active areas, readout face, orientation and mechanical reference edges. Specify permitted alignment error and distinguish crystal pixel size from final pitch, including reflector and bonding layers.
How should array uniformity and crosstalk requirements be written?
State the measurement you need, its calculation method and the proposed test arrangement, rather than requesting only good uniformity or low crosstalk. Identify the readout device, optical coupling, illumination or radiation conditions and acceptance limit. Ask which checks can be included in the quotation; the existence of a requirement does not mean a particular test report is supplied as standard.
GAGG Array Design Guide for Quotations
Before finalising a SiPM-coupled array drawing, see our GAGG array pixel size and pitch guide for a worked 8 × 8 example showing how finished separator thickness and outer edge layers determine the array dimensions.
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sales@atrscintillator.com