LYSO(Ce) Scintillation Crystal for PET & TOF-PET
LYSO(Ce) Scintillation Crystal for PET & TOF-PET
LYSO crystal, also known as LYSO(Ce) scintillation crystal, is a high-performance inorganic scintillator used in PET, TOF-PET, SPECT, gamma detection, high-energy physics, security imaging, and compact radiation detector modules. It combines high density, fast decay time, useful light output, and non-hygroscopic handling for demanding detector designs.
ATR Crystal supplies custom LYSO(Ce) scintillation crystals as polished pixels, bars, slabs, 1D arrays, 2D pixelated arrays, and detector-ready components. Dimensions, reflector material, surface finish, tolerance, photosensor matching, and packaging can be reviewed according to your drawing or application.
For broader material selection, you can also review our scintillation crystals, LYSO(Ce) scintillator arrays, and related detector materials such as BGO scintillation crystal, NaI(Tl) scintillation crystal, and GAGG(Ce) scintillation crystal.
Applications of LYSO Crystal
PET and time-of-flight PET detector modules
SPECT and gamma camera detector designs
High-energy physics calorimeters and timing detectors
Cargo, baggage, and security inspection systems
Nuclear radiation detection and spectroscopy modules
Space physics and astroparticle detector systems
Well logging and geological exploration tools
Environmental monitoring and compact gamma instruments
Advantages of LYSO(Ce) Crystal
- Fast decay time36 ns decay supports TOF-PET, high count-rate detection, and timing-sensitive gamma measurement.
- High stopping power7.1 g/cm3 density helps reduce detector size while maintaining gamma-ray absorption efficiency.
- Useful light outputApprox. 33,000 photons/MeV provides practical signal strength for imaging and detector resolution.
- SiPM and PMT compatible420 nm emission is well matched to common bialkali PMTs and silicon photomultipliers.
- Non-hygroscopic materialLYSO(Ce) can usually be handled without hermetic encapsulation in standard use environments.
- Custom geometry supportAvailable as pixels, bars, slabs, 1D arrays, 2D arrays, and drawing-defined detector assemblies.
Specifications of LYSO(Ce) Crystal
The following specification table summarizes typical LYSO(Ce) scintillation crystal properties for detector design review.
| Parameter | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | Lu2(1-x)Y2xSiO5:Ce |
| Crystal structure | Monoclinic |
| Density | 7.1 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | Approx. 2,050 C |
| Mohs hardness | 5.8 |
| Cleavage plane | None |
| Hygroscopicity | Non-hygroscopic |
| Light yield | Approx. 33,000 photons/MeV |
| Decay time | 36 ns |
| Emission peak | 420 nm |
| Refractive index | 1.82 at 420 nm |
| Energy resolution | Approx. 8% at 662 keV |
| Intrinsic background | Low intrinsic background from natural Lu-176 |
Available LYSO crystal formats and customization options.
| Format | Details |
|---|---|
| Polished pixels / bars | Custom dimensions; typical sizes from 1 x 1 x 10 mm to 25 x 25 x 30 mm |
| Polished slabs / plates | Up to 90 mm diameter or custom rectangular format |
| 1D pixelated arrays | 1 x 8, 1 x 16, 1 x 32, 1 x 64, or customized layouts |
| 2D pixelated arrays | 4 x 4, 8 x 8, 16 x 16, 32 x 32, 64 x 64, or customized layouts |
| Minimum pixel size | Down to 0.5 x 0.5 mm depending on geometry |
| Reflector options | BaSO4, ESR, E60, Teflon / PTFE, or application-specific reflector |
| Surface finish | All-side polished, white-painted, roughened, or as-cut on request |
| Coupling window | One or two optical-quality polished faces |
LYSO Crystal vs. BGO vs. NaI(Tl)
This comparison helps position LYSO crystal against common scintillation materials. For project selection, compare this page with BGO, NaI(Tl), and GAGG(Ce) according to timing, density, light output, intrinsic background, and packaging requirements. Exact performance depends on crystal quality, size, wrapping, photosensor, electronics, and test conditions.
| Property | LYSO(Ce) | BGO | NaI(Tl) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 7.1 g/cm3 | 7.13 g/cm3 | 3.67 g/cm3 |
| Decay time | 36 ns | 300 ns | 250 ns |
| Light yield | Approx. 33,000 photons/MeV | Approx. 8,500 photons/MeV | Approx. 38,000 photons/MeV |
| Energy resolution at 662 keV | Approx. 8% | Approx. 12% | Approx. 6-7% |
| Emission peak | 420 nm | 480 nm | 415 nm |
| Hygroscopicity | No | No | Yes |
| TOF-PET suitability | Excellent | Limited | Limited |
| Intrinsic background | Low, from natural Lu-176 | None | None |
How to Request a Custom LYSO(Ce) Quote
For a fast quotation, send the target application, crystal or array dimensions, pixel size, reflector material, surface finish, tolerance, quantity, photosensor type, and any detector packaging requirements. ATR Crystal can review your drawing or datasheet and recommend a practical manufacturing route.
Frequently Asked Questions
For detector material selection, compare LYSO and BGO scintillators by timing, density, light output and intrinsic background.
