LaBr3(Ce) Scintillation Crystal
ATR Crystal supplies LaBr3(Ce) scintillation crystals for gamma-ray spectroscopy and isotope identification. The material offers fast scintillation and high light output, with hermetic encapsulation required because it is hygroscopic. Intrinsic background should be considered for low-count-rate measurements. Send crystal dimensions, housing and optical-window requirements, photosensor interface, resolution target and quantity for a quotation. Final specifications and test conditions are confirmed for the quoted configuration.
Built around your specification
- Density
- 5.08 g/cm3
- Melting point
- 1116 K
- Thermal expansion coefficient
- 8 × 10−6/°C along the C-axis
- Cleavage plane
- <100>
Final specifications and acceptance criteria are confirmed for the quoted configuration.
Request a quotationOverview
LaBr3(Ce) Scintillation Crystal for Gamma Spectroscopy
ATR Crystal supplies LaBr3(Ce) scintillation crystals, also called cerium-doped lanthanum bromide, for gamma-ray spectroscopy, isotope identification and radiation measurement. LaBr3(Ce) combines high light output with fast scintillation. It is considered when energy resolution and pulse timing are important to the instrument design.
LaBr3(Ce) is hygroscopic and requires hermetic encapsulation for normal use. Its intrinsic radioactive background must also be considered, especially for low-count-rate measurements. Crystal dimensions, optical-window requirements, photosensor interface and acceptance tests should be defined together before quotation.
This page covers material properties and selection. For listed cylindrical packages and their specifications, see our encapsulated LaBr3(Ce) scintillators. You can also compare materials in the scintillation crystal range.
Encapsulation and Optical Readout
The sealed package protects the crystal from moisture and provides an optical interface to the photosensor. Specify the crystal dimensions separately from the outside housing dimensions, together with the optical-window material, clear aperture and coupling arrangement.
Photosensor selection should account for the emission near 380 nm, the expected signal level and the intended count rate. A PMT or SiPM must be evaluated with the optical coupling and electronics used in the actual instrument. A resolution target at Cs-137 662 keV should be accompanied by the readout configuration, operating temperature and agreed measurement method.
For low-background measurements, review the contribution from La-138 and possible Ac-227 contamination against the energy range and counting conditions. The material should not be treated as a zero-background scintillator.
Related selection guide
Energy resolution at 662 keV: calculation and specification checklist
Specifications
LaBr3(Ce) Crystal Properties
The table retains the material reference values from the existing product data. These values describe the material and are not a guarantee of finished-instrument performance. Confirm the required grade, package and test conditions for the quoted configuration.
| Property | Reference Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 5.08 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | 1116 K |
| Thermal expansion coefficient | 8 × 10−6/°C along the C-axis |
| Cleavage plane | <100> |
| Hygroscopic | Yes; hermetic encapsulation required |
| Peak emission wavelength | 380 nm |
| Refractive index at peak emission | Approximately 1.9 |
| Primary decay time | 0.016 µs (16 ns) |
| Light yield for gamma rays | 63 photons/keV |
| Photoelectron yield relative to NaI(Tl), for gamma rays | 165% |
Photoelectron yield is a readout-dependent comparison, not a universal increase in detector efficiency. Energy resolution and usable count rate depend on the crystal, package, optical coupling, photosensor and electronics.
LaBr3(Ce) vs. Other Gamma Scintillators
Material choice depends on the intended measurement, package constraints and optical readout. For a detailed comparison of resolution, timing and packaging, read our LaBr3(Ce) vs. NaI(Tl) gamma spectroscopy guide.
| Material | Selection Reason | Points to Review |
|---|---|---|
| LaBr3(Ce) | High light output and fast response for gamma spectroscopy | Hermetic sealing, intrinsic background and the complete measurement configuration |
| NaI(Tl) | Established scintillator for general gamma spectroscopy | Hermetic sealing and the resolution required by the application |
| BGO | High density for compact gamma-detection geometry | Light collection, slower response and energy-resolution requirements |
| GAGG(Ce) | Non-hygroscopic material with high light output | Material grade, decay characteristics and photosensor matching |
Applications
Applications of LaBr3(Ce) Scintillation Crystals
Gamma-ray spectroscopy and energy measurement
Isotope identification and spectral analysis
Environmental radiation measurement instruments
Laboratory and OEM scintillation measurement systems
Ordering
Request a LaBr3(Ce) Crystal Quotation
Send the material requirements and package drawing you have. ATR Crystal will review the proposed crystal geometry, encapsulation and optical interface before confirming a quotation.
| RFQ Item | Information to Provide |
|---|---|
| Application | Measurement type, energy range, expected count rate and background constraints |
| Crystal geometry | Diameter or rectangular dimensions, length, tolerances and drawing |
| Encapsulation | Housing dimensions, optical-window requirements, clear aperture and mounting interface |
| Optical readout | Photosensor type, optical coupling and the available readout details |
| Acceptance requirements | Resolution target, test energy, operating temperature and inspection method |
| Quantity | Required pieces and any sample-evaluation or repeat-order requirements |
Use the inquiry form below or send your drawing and quantity to sales@atrscintillator.com. Final supply scope, specifications and acceptance conditions are confirmed for the quoted configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LaBr3(Ce) scintillation crystal used for?
LaBr3(Ce) is used for gamma-ray spectroscopy, isotope identification and radiation measurement where high light output and fast scintillation suit the instrument requirements.
Does LaBr3(Ce) need hermetic encapsulation?
Yes. LaBr3(Ce) is hygroscopic. The sealed housing and optical window must be considered as part of the component design, rather than as optional surface finishing.
Is LaBr3(Ce) suitable for very low-background measurements?
Its intrinsic background can limit low-count-rate measurements. Review the background spectrum and the energy range of interest before choosing the material.
Specify the energy interval of interest, intended crystal volume, acquisition time and acceptable background contribution. If a background spectrum is requested, agree the measurement setup and normalization method. A total count rate without the energy interval and measurement conditions is insufficient for comparing configurations.
Can material properties alone determine energy resolution?
No. Crystal size, encapsulation, optical coupling, photosensor, electronics and measurement conditions all affect the result. Specify the required resolution and test configuration when requesting a quote.
What dimensions should be provided for a replacement encapsulated LaBr3(Ce) crystal?
Provide the active crystal size, housing envelope, optical window position and clear aperture, plus the mounting and sensor-interface dimensions. Label values taken from a drawing separately from estimates based on external measurements. A replacement with the same outer diameter may still have a different active volume or optical interface.
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