NaI(Tl) Scintillator
General Encapsulated NaI(Tl) Scintillator is a hermetically sealed cylindrical sodium iodide detector crystal for gamma-ray detection and spectroscopy. ATR Crystal supplies NaI(Tl) crystals in aluminum or stainless steel housings with K9 glass, quartz or sapphire windows, standard sizes from 25.4 x 25.4 mm to 127 x 127 mm and custom sizes up to 150 mm diameter x 400 mm height.
Built around your specification
- Application
- Gamma spectroscopy, survey meter, counting system, environmental monitoring or detector module.
- Crystal size
- Crystal diameter, height and tolerances, plus housing outline, window clear aperture and preferred listed model if applicable.
- Encapsulation
- Aluminum or stainless housing, K9/quartz/sapphire window, flange and mounting features.
- Performance target
- Energy resolution at Cs-137 662 keV, light output, uniformity and inspection requirement.
Final specifications and acceptance criteria are confirmed for the quoted configuration.
Request a quotationOverview
Encapsulated NaI(Tl) Scintillator for Gamma-Ray Detection
General Encapsulated NaI(Tl) Scintillator is a hermetically sealed thallium-doped sodium iodide scintillator used for gamma-ray detection, counting and spectroscopy. NaI(Tl) offers high light output, good energy resolution and strong compatibility with photomultiplier tubes.
Because NaI(Tl) is hygroscopic, reliable encapsulation is essential. ATR Crystal supplies cylindrical NaI(Tl) crystals in aluminum or stainless steel housings with K9 glass, quartz or sapphire optical windows. Face-entry and side-entry radiation configurations, flanges, mounting features and other mechanical modifications can be reviewed.
The listed cylindrical sizes provide references for quotation. Custom crystal sizes can be reviewed up to 150 mm diameter x 400 mm height, subject to crystal geometry, polishing, encapsulation and performance requirements. Confirm the crystal dimensions separately from the housing outline and mounting dimensions.
This page covers the sealed NaI(Tl) crystal package, including its housing, reflector and optical window. Define your photosensor and readout electronics separately, and provide the optical coupling interface so that the package can be reviewed for your instrument.
When to Choose Encapsulated NaI(Tl) Instead of Bare NaI(Tl)
NaI(Tl) crystal is highly hygroscopic, so a sealed scintillator package is normally recommended for real detector use. Encapsulation protects the crystal from moisture and allows the optical window, reflector and mechanical housing to be matched to the readout design.
If your request mentions a pure NaI crystal scintillator, please confirm whether a hermetically sealed NaI(Tl) scintillator is acceptable. In most gamma spectroscopy and radiation monitoring instruments, encapsulated NaI(Tl) is more reliable than a bare crystal unless the user has immediate dry-box integration capability. For material properties, review the NaI(Tl) scintillation crystal page. For handling and selection background, read the NaI(Tl) crystal selection guide.
Features of Encapsulated NaI(Tl)
- PMT-compatible emissionThe emission spectrum of NaI(Tl) is well matched with many photomultiplier tubes.
- High light outputNaI(Tl) is widely used where high scintillation light yield is required.
- Energy-resolution referenceThe listed models give <=8.0% at 662 keV or better as a reference. Confirm the target with the crystal size, photosensor, optical coupling, electronics and test conditions.
- Hermetic protectionAluminum or stainless steel housings protect the hygroscopic NaI(Tl) crystal.
- Custom window choiceK9 glass, quartz or sapphire windows can be reviewed according to detector design.
- Crystal-package integrationHousing outline, mounting features and the optical output interface can be reviewed against your drawing and intended photosensor.
Specifications
Design Options
| Design Item | Available Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Metal container | Aluminum or stainless steel | Selected according to weight, mechanical strength, environment and mounting requirement. |
| Optical window | K9 glass, quartz or sapphire | Window choice depends on optical coupling, mechanical strength and environmental requirement. |
| Geometry | Cylindrical encapsulated NaI(Tl) | Common for PMT-coupled gamma-ray detection modules. |
| Custom mechanical features | Special flanges, mounting fixtures or other modifications | Provide drawing for review. |
| Maximum crystal size | Dia. 150 mm x height 400 mm | Subject to specification, encapsulation and performance review. |
Typical Specification
The following models and dimensions are quotation references. Crystal size refers to the scintillating crystal; housing dimensions and window clear aperture should be specified separately. The energy-resolution reference at Cs-137 662 keV applies to a defined measurement setup, including the photosensor, optical coupling and electronics. Final specifications and acceptance criteria are confirmed for the quoted configuration.
| Model | Crystal Size | Encapsulation | Energy Resolution, Cs-137 |
|---|---|---|---|
| NaI-D25H25 | Dia. 25.4 x 25.4 mm | Aluminum housing with K9 glass window | <=8.0% at 662 keV or better |
| NaI-D25H40 | Dia. 25.4 x 40.0 mm | Aluminum housing with K9 glass window | <=8.0% at 662 keV or better |
| NaI-D40H40 | Dia. 40.0 x 40.0 mm | Aluminum housing with K9 glass window | <=8.0% at 662 keV or better |
| NaI-D50H50 | Dia. 50.8 x 50.8 mm | Aluminum housing with K9 glass window | <=8.0% at 662 keV or better |
| NaI-D63H63 | Dia. 63.5 x 63.5 mm | Aluminum housing with K9 glass window | <=8.0% at 662 keV or better |
| NaI-D76H76 | Dia. 76.2 x 76.2 mm | Aluminum housing with K9 glass window | <=8.0% at 662 keV or better |
| NaI-D127H127 | Dia. 127 x 127 mm | Aluminum housing with K9 glass window | <=8.0% at 662 keV or better |
Other sizes and specifications can be reviewed from your drawing, subject to the geometry, encapsulation and inspection requirements.
General NaI(Tl) vs. Related Encapsulated Scintillators
| Product | Best Fit | Main Advantage | Design Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General encapsulated NaI(Tl) | Standard cylindrical gamma detector crystals | High light output and mature PMT readout | Requires hermetic encapsulation. |
| Square Type NaI(Tl) | Rectangular detector arrays and close-packed layouts | Better packing geometry for square/cuboid detectors | Housing and window position should match readout plan. |
| X-Ray Type NaI(Tl) | Low-energy X-ray detection | Thin crystal/window design for low-energy photons | Window material and thickness are critical. |
| End Well NaI(Tl) | Sample counting with well geometry | High counting efficiency around small samples | Well size and sample geometry must be specified. |
| LaBr3(Ce) Scintillator | High-resolution gamma spectroscopy | Better energy resolution and fast timing | Higher cost and intrinsic La-138 background should be considered. |
Applications
Applications of Encapsulated NaI(Tl) Scintillators
Sealed NaI(Tl) crystal packages can be reviewed for the following instrument applications. Match the crystal geometry, window and optical output interface to the intended measurement and readout.
Gamma-ray spectroscopy and isotope identification systems
Radiation survey and portable monitoring instruments
Laboratory radiation counting systems
Environmental radiation monitoring
Ordering
NaI(Tl) RFQ Checklist
| RFQ Item | Information to Provide |
|---|---|
| Application | Gamma spectroscopy, survey meter, counting system, environmental monitoring or detector module. |
| Crystal size | Crystal diameter, height and tolerances, plus housing outline, window clear aperture and preferred listed model if applicable. |
| Encapsulation | Aluminum or stainless housing, K9/quartz/sapphire window, flange and mounting features. |
| Performance target | Energy resolution at Cs-137 662 keV, light output, uniformity and inspection requirement. |
| Readout | Your intended PMT, SiPM or photodiode and its optical coupling interface; define the photosensor and electronics separately from the crystal package. |
| Order information | Quantity, packaging, inspection report and delivery schedule. |
To request an encapsulated NaI(Tl) scintillator quotation, use the sealed NaI(Tl) crystal inquiry form below or email your drawing and requirements to sales@atrscintillator.com. Include the crystal and housing dimensions, window, optical interface, quantity and intended application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does NaI(Tl) need encapsulation?
What window materials are available?
What energy resolution can standard NaI(Tl) models provide?
Can sizes be customized?
Which dimensions define the sensor interface of an encapsulated NaI(Tl) crystal?
Dimension the finished optical-window clear aperture, window location and housing features used for alignment or mounting. Identify the intended coupling arrangement and any permitted gap. Keep these interface requirements separate from active crystal diameter and height; a matching crystal size does not establish that two sealed packages fit the same sensor assembly.
Does an encapsulated NaI(Tl) crystal quotation include a PMT or electronics?
Identify the supply boundary in the quotation. Specify the sealed crystal, housing and optical window as the required component, and list any requested sensor, coupling material, holder or electronics separately. A reference to PMT readout or an energy-resolution test should not be taken to mean that the PMT and electronics are included in the delivered package.
Request a quotation
Send your application and specification requirements directly from this page.
Prefer email? Send your drawing or specification sheet to:
sales@atrscintillator.com