LYSO(Ce) Array
What Is a LYSO(Ce) Scintillator Array?
LYSO(Ce) scintillator arrays are pixelated detector components made from cerium-doped lutetium yttrium oxyorthosilicate crystals. Each array is assembled from precisely cut and polished LYSO(Ce) pixels with optical reflector material between pixels to control light sharing and reduce optical crosstalk.
Compared with a single bulk crystal, a LYSO(Ce) array provides position-sensitive gamma-ray detection. This makes it suitable for PET, TOF-PET, SPECT, gamma cameras, high-energy physics detector modules, and compact radiation imaging systems.
ATR Crystal manufactures custom LYSO(Ce) arrays according to detector geometry, pixel pitch, reflector selection, surface finish, photosensor type, and light-output uniformity requirements. Arrays can be designed for SiPM, PSPMT, photodiode, or other position-sensitive readout systems.
Applications of LYSO(Ce) Arrays
PET and TOF-PET detector blocks
SPECT and gamma camera modules
Small-animal imaging and preclinical PET systems
High-energy physics calorimeter modules
Security inspection and radiation imaging systems
Compact gamma detector and coded-aperture imaging devices
Advantages of LYSO(Ce) Pixelated Arrays
- Fast timing responseLYSO(Ce) supports fast scintillation decay, making it suitable for timing-sensitive PET and TOF-PET detector designs.
- High gamma stopping powerHigh density and effective atomic number help maintain detection efficiency in compact detector blocks.
- Fine pixel geometryCustom pixel size and pitch allow detector designers to balance spatial resolution, light collection, and manufacturability.
- Controlled optical crosstalkReflector selection and bonding process help manage light isolation between adjacent pixels.
- Readout compatibilityArrays can be matched to SiPM arrays, PSPMTs, pixelated photodiodes, and application-specific detector electronics.
- Custom assembly support1D, 2D, offset, and multilayer configurations are available according to drawings or detector requirements.
LYSO(Ce) Array Specifications
Array Geometry and Assembly Options
| Item | Typical Options |
|---|---|
| Array type | 1D linear array, 2D pixelated array, offset array, multilayer array |
| Common pixel counts | 4×4, 8×8, 16×16, 20×20, 52×52, or custom 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, or custom photosensor layout |
| Uniformity control | Pixel light output uniformity available at requested tolerance levels |
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 |
LYSO(Ce) Crystal Material Properties Used in Arrays
| Parameter | Standard Type | Fast Decay Type |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 7.4 g/cm3 | 7.4 g/cm3 |
| Radiation length | 1.1 cm | 1.1 cm |
| Effective atomic number | 66 | 66 |
| Decay constant | 40-44 ns | 32-34 ns |
| Light yield | Approx. 32,000 photons/MeV | Approx. 29,000 photons/MeV |
| Refractive index | 1.82 | 1.82 |
| Maximum emission wavelength | 420 nm | 420 nm |
| Melting point | 2050 °C | 2050 °C |
| Hardness | 5.8 Mohs | 5.8 Mohs |
| Cleavage | No | No |
| Hygroscopicity | No | No |
Design Considerations for Custom LYSO(Ce) Arrays
For PET and gamma imaging, array performance depends not only on the scintillator material but also on pixel size, reflector thickness, polishing quality, optical coupling, and readout geometry. Smaller pixels can improve spatial resolution, but they may also reduce light collection and make assembly more demanding.
When requesting a custom array, provide the target detector application, pixel size, number of pixels, total array size, reflector material, readout device, surface finish, and required light-output uniformity. If available, a drawing or detector block layout helps confirm manufacturability.
Quality Control for LYSO(Ce) Arrays
- Dimensional inspectionPixel size, array pitch, total dimensions, and surface finish are checked against the drawing.
- Relative light output testingEach array can be evaluated for light output according to project requirements.
- Pixel uniformity testingUniformity levels such as <=10%, <=20%, <=30%, or custom criteria can be specified.
- Energy resolution testingDetector-related tests can be arranged depending on geometry and test conditions.
- Scatter map evaluationScatter map inspection helps verify pixel separation and optical isolation in the array.
- Visual and assembly inspectionReflector integrity, bonding quality, and edge condition are reviewed before shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Comparison with Related Scintillator Arrays
Use this table to compare common pixelated scintillator array choices at the design-selection stage. Final selection should still be confirmed against pixel size, reflector, readout, and test conditions.
| Design Point | LYSO(Ce) Array | GAGG(Ce) Array | BGO Array | CdWO4 Array | CsI(Tl) Array |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density / stopping power | High, about 7.1-7.4 g/cm3 | High, about 6.6 g/cm3 | High, about 7.13 g/cm3 | Very high, about 7.9 g/cm3 | Moderate, about 4.51 g/cm3 |
| Timing / decay behavior | Fast, about 32-44 ns depending on type | Fast to balanced, type dependent | Slower, about 300 ns | Very slow, about 14000 ns | Slower, about 1000 ns |
| Typical strength | PET, TOF-PET, compact gamma imaging | High light output, no Lu-176 background | Compact stopping power, no intrinsic background | Low afterglow CT and scanning systems | High light output and photodiode matching |
| Handling | Non-hygroscopic | Non-hygroscopic | Non-hygroscopic | Non-hygroscopic | Slightly hygroscopic |
Original Product Data Tables
The following technical tables are retained from the existing product page for specification review.
| Reflector Types and Thicknesses of LYSO(Ce) Arr | |
| Material | Thickness of reflector material + adhesive |
| BaSO4 | ≥0.1 mm |
| ESR | 0.08 mm |
| E60 | 0.075 mm |
| TiO2 | ≥0.1 mm |
| Different Types of LYSO(Ce) Crystal | ||
| Type | Light yield | Decay time |
| Standard type | 32000 photons/MeV | 40-44 ns |
| Fast Decay time type | 29000 photons/keV | 32-34 ns |
| Properties of LYSO(Ce) Crystal | ||
| Product Type | Standard type | Fast decay time type |
| Density (g/cm3) | 7.4 | 7.4 |
| Radiation Length (cm) | 1.1 | 1.1 |
| Effective Atomic Number | 66 | 66 |
| Decay Constant (ns) | 40-44 | 32-34 |
| Light Yield (photons/keV) | 32000 | 29000 |
| Index of Refraction | 1.82 | 1.82 |
| The wavelength of Max Emission (nm) | 420 | 420 |
| Melting Point (°C) | 2050 | 2050 |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 5.8 | 5.8 |
| Cleavage | No | No |
| Hygroscopicity | No | No |
