LaBr3(Ce) Scintillator
Engineering Overview

LaBr3(Ce) Scintillator

LaBr3(Ce), or cerium-doped lanthanum bromide, is a high-light-output and fast-decay scintillation crystal used for gamma-ray spectroscopy, isotope identification, high-count-rate measurement, and nuclear physics instrumentation. Typical reference values include a density of about 5.08 g/cm3, an emission peak near 380 nm, and a decay time around 16-20 ns. Complete detector assemblies can achieve energy resolution around 3% FWHM at 662 keV under suitable conditions, but actual performance depends on crystal size, cerium concentration, optical coupling, photosensor, electronics, and calibration. LaBr3(Ce) is highly hygroscopic and requires reliable hermetic encapsulation. Its intrinsic background, primarily associated with La-138 and possible Ac-227 contamination, should also be considered in low-count-rate applications. ATR Crystal supplies custom crystal and encapsulated detector configurations according to the required dimensions and test conditions.
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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 standard cylindrical sizes and custom formats. Crystal size, housing, optical window, PMT coupling, resolution target and inspection requirements can be reviewed according to detector design.

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

Features of LaBr3(Ce) Scintillator

  • High energy resolutionStandard encapsulated models list <3.5% energy resolution at Cs-137 662 keV, with selected configurations offering <3.0%.
  • 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.
  • Encapsulated detector formatSealed housings are required because LaBr3(Ce) is hygroscopic.
  • Custom integration supportPMT selection, housing, window, connector and detector assembly can be reviewed.

Properties of LaBr3(Ce) Scintillator

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

Note: other sizes or specifications can be customized according to your requirements.

LaBr3(Ce) vs. Related Gamma Scintillators

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 Lower cost than LaBr3(Ce), but lower resolution.
BGO High density and strong stopping power Compact high-energy gamma detection Lower light output and poorer resolution.
CsI(Tl) High light output and SiPM/PD matching Imaging and compact detector designs Decay time and readout matching should be reviewed.

LaBr3(Ce) RFQ Checklist

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, optical window, flange, connector and sealing requirement.
Readout PMT model, SiPM option, optical coupling, electronics and cable interface.
Order information Quantity, inspection report, packaging and delivery schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose LaBr3(Ce) instead of NaI(Tl)?
LaBr3(Ce) generally provides better energy resolution, higher light output and faster decay than NaI(Tl), which is useful for isotope identification and high-count-rate gamma spectroscopy.
Is LaBr3(Ce) hygroscopic?
Yes. LaBr3(Ce) is hygroscopic and must be supplied in a sealed encapsulated package with an optical window.
Does LaBr3(Ce) have intrinsic background?
Yes. LaBr3(Ce) contains lanthanum and has intrinsic background from La-138, which should be considered for low-background applications.
What energy resolution is available?
Standard listed models specify <3.5% at Cs-137 662 keV, and selected configurations may be reviewed for <3.0%.

Technical Guides

Guide LaBr3(Ce) vs NaI(Tl): Gamma Spectroscopy Comparison Review when LaBr3(Ce) is worth choosing over NaI(Tl) for high-resolution gamma spectroscopy.

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