LaBr3(Ce) Scintillator
ATR Crystal supplies encapsulated LaBr3(Ce) scintillators with sealed housings and optical windows for gamma spectroscopy. Listed crystal diameters include 25.4 mm, 38.1 mm and 50.8 mm; external housing dimensions are specified separately. Send your required crystal size, package drawing, optical interface, resolution target, test conditions and quantity for a quotation. Final package specifications and acceptance criteria are confirmed for the quoted configuration.
Built around your specification
- Density
- 5.08 g/cm3
- Melting point
- 1116 K
- Thermal expansion coefficient
- 8 x 10^-6/C along C-axis
- Cleavage plane
- <100>
Final specifications and acceptance criteria are confirmed for the quoted configuration.
Request a quotationOverview
Encapsulated LaBr3(Ce) Scintillator for Gamma-Ray Spectroscopy
LaBr3(Ce) Scintillator is a cerium-doped lanthanum bromide scintillation crystal used for gamma-ray spectroscopy, isotope identification and high-count-rate detection. Compared with NaI(Tl), LaBr3(Ce) generally provides higher light output, faster decay and better energy resolution.
LaBr3(Ce) is hygroscopic and must be supplied in a sealed housing with an optical window. It also has intrinsic radioactive background from lanthanum isotopes, which should be considered for low-background applications. For many spectroscopy and security systems, its fast timing and energy resolution make it a strong option when cost and background are acceptable.
ATR Crystal supplies encapsulated LaBr3(Ce) scintillators in the listed cylindrical sizes and drawing-defined packages. Crystal size, external housing dimensions, optical window, photosensor interface, resolution target and inspection requirements are reviewed for the quoted configuration.
For material properties and selection considerations, review our LaBr3(Ce) scintillation crystal page. This page focuses on the sealed component, its dimensions and its optical interface.
Features of LaBr3(Ce) Scintillator
- Resolution target reviewListed models specify <3.5% at Cs-137 662 keV. A <3.0% target can be reviewed for a selected configuration with agreed photosensor, coupling and test conditions.
- Higher light output than NaI(Tl)Original product data lists 63 photons/keV and 165% photoelectron yield relative to NaI(Tl).
- Fast decayThe primary decay time is listed as 0.016 us, or 16 ns, supporting high-count-rate systems.
- Good energy linearityLaBr3(Ce) is widely used for spectroscopy where peak identification and energy resolution matter.
- Hermetically encapsulated formatThe sealed housing and optical window protect the hygroscopic crystal and provide an interface to the photosensor.
- Package specification reviewHousing geometry, optical-window requirements, clear aperture and mounting interface can be reviewed against your drawing.
Related selection guide
Energy resolution at 662 keV: calculation and specification checklist
Specifications
Properties of LaBr3(Ce) Scintillator
These are material reference values from the existing product data. Finished-component acceptance criteria are confirmed for the quoted package and measurement configuration.
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 5.08 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | 1116 K |
| Thermal expansion coefficient | 8 x 10^-6/C along C-axis |
| Cleavage plane | <100> |
| Hygroscopic | Yes |
| Wavelength of emission maximum | 380 nm |
| Refractive index at emission maximum | About 1.9 |
| Primary decay time | 0.016 us, or 16 ns |
| Light yield | 63 photons/keV gamma |
| Photoelectron yield for gamma rays | 165% of NaI(Tl) |
Typical Specification
| Model | Crystal Size | Encapsulation | Energy Resolution, Cs-137 |
|---|---|---|---|
| LB-D25H25 | Dia. 25.4 x 25.4 mm | Aluminum housing with optical window | <3.5% at 662 keV |
| LB-D25H50 | Dia. 25.4 x 50.8 mm | Aluminum housing with optical window | <3.5% at 662 keV |
| LB-D38H38 | Dia. 38.1 x 38.1 mm | Aluminum housing with optical window | <3.5% at 662 keV |
| LB-D50H50 | Dia. 50.8 x 50.8 mm | Aluminum housing with optical window | <3.5% at 662 keV |
The sizes above are crystal diameter and height. External housing dimensions and optical-window aperture are specified separately. Other dimensions or package requirements can be reviewed from a drawing.
The listed resolution values apply to an agreed measurement configuration. Specify the photosensor, optical coupling, operating temperature and test method. Well-logging or other demanding environments require a separate review of temperature and mechanical conditions.
LaBr3(Ce) vs. Related Gamma Scintillators
Compare the resolution, timing and packaging requirements in our LaBr3(Ce) vs. NaI(Tl) gamma spectroscopy guide. The material choice should be reviewed together with package geometry and optical readout.
| Material | Main Advantage | Best Fit | Design Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| LaBr3(Ce) | High resolution, high light output and fast timing | Gamma spectroscopy and isotope identification | Hygroscopic; intrinsic background should be considered. |
| NaI(Tl) | High light output and mature detector formats | Survey, spectroscopy and general gamma detection | Hermetic sealing and the energy-resolution target should be confirmed. |
| BGO | High density and strong stopping power | Compact high-energy gamma detection | Light collection, slower response and energy-resolution requirements should be reviewed. |
| CsI(Tl) | High light output and SiPM/PD matching | Imaging and compact detector designs | Decay time and readout matching should be reviewed. |
Applications
Applications of LaBr3(Ce) Scintillators
Industrial coal and mineral assay instruments
Medical SPECT and organ-specific gamma detection
High-energy physics detector systems
Security isotope identification and portal systems
Oil and gas well logging applications
High-count-rate gamma spectroscopy instruments
Ordering
LaBr3(Ce) RFQ Checklist
Provide the sealed-component drawing and the test requirements you already have. Crystal dimensions and external housing dimensions should be listed separately.
| RFQ Item | Information to Provide |
|---|---|
| Application | Isotope identification, spectroscopy, well logging, security, medical or research detector. |
| Crystal size | Diameter, height, tolerance and preferred standard model if applicable. |
| Resolution target | <3.5%, <3.0% or custom target at Cs-137 662 keV. |
| Encapsulation | Housing material and outside dimensions, optical-window material and aperture, mounting interface and sealing requirement. |
| Readout | Photosensor type, optical coupling and the measurement configuration used to evaluate the scintillator. |
| Order information | Quantity, inspection report requirements, packaging and requested delivery date for review. |
Use the inquiry form below or email your drawing and quantity to sales@atrscintillator.com. Final package dimensions, supply scope and acceptance criteria are confirmed in the quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose LaBr3(Ce) instead of NaI(Tl)?
Is LaBr3(Ce) hygroscopic?
Does LaBr3(Ce) have intrinsic background?
State the energy interval, acquisition time, crystal size and readout arrangement used for the background criterion. Identify whether the measurement includes the housing, window, sensor and surrounding shielding. Request an agreed normalization and reporting method so that background values from different package sizes are not compared without their measurement context.
What energy resolution is available?
Can a sealed LaBr3(Ce) component be selected by crystal diameter alone?
No. Check crystal length, housing envelope, window clear aperture and position, and the mounting or coupling interface as well. Provide the sensor drawing when the package must fit an existing assembly. The quotation should distinguish active crystal dimensions from finished external dimensions and identify any unresolved interface requirements.
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