SP123 ZnS(Ag) Alpha Scintillator Screens
SP123 is a ZnS(Ag)-coated alpha scintillator screen on a PMMA substrate for alpha probes, surface contamination meters and custom alpha detection panels. The ZnS(Ag) coating is the active scintillating layer; PMMA provides mechanical support and optical backing. For a custom quotation, specify the coated active area, overall dimensions, substrate thickness, readout arrangement and quantity.
Built around your specification
- Application
- Surface contamination meter, whole body monitor, alpha detector panel, laboratory alpha counter or custom detector assembly.
- Panel geometry
- Total size, active area, thickness, shape, edge margin, mounting holes and drawing.
- Material structure
- PMMA substrate thickness, ZnS(Ag) coating density, coated side and coating area.
- Optical readout
- PMT, SiPM, photodiode, light guide, reflector, optical grease or coupling requirement.
Final specifications and acceptance criteria are confirmed for the quoted configuration.
Request a quotationOverview
SP123 ZnS(Ag) Alpha Scintillator Screens for Alpha Probes
ATR Crystal supplies SP123 ZnS(Ag) alpha scintillator screens on PMMA for alpha probes, surface contamination meters and large-area alpha detection systems. The silver-activated zinc sulfide coating is the active alpha-sensitive layer. The PMMA substrate provides mechanical support and optical backing.
The standard listed ZnS(Ag) coating areal density is 4.5 mg/cm2. PMMA support thicknesses from 0.1 mm to 10 mm can be reviewed according to the detector mechanics and optical readout design. Coating areal density describes mass per unit area, rather than a geometric thickness in millimetres.
For custom alpha scintillator screens, specify the coated active area separately from the total component dimensions. Send your drawing, PMMA thickness, quantity and photosensor arrangement to sales@atrscintillator.com. ATR will review coating area, edge margins, optical coupling and the required supply scope before quotation.
Advantages of SP123 Alpha Scintillator Panels
- Designed for alpha detectionThe ZnS(Ag) layer provides high scintillation response for alpha particles when used with a suitable light sensor and optical path.
- Uniform coated surfaceControlled coating uniformity helps maintain consistent alpha response across the active area.
- Large-area capabilitySP123 can be supplied in large panel formats up to 1000 x 1000 mm, depending on substrate, coating and handling requirements.
- Lightweight PMMA supportThe PMMA substrate provides a low-density backing material with good optical clarity and practical mechanical processing.
- Custom substrate thicknessPMMA thickness from 0.1 mm to 10 mm can be reviewed according to detector mechanics and optical readout design.
- Detector assembly flexibilitySP123 panels can be paired with PMTs, SiPMs, photodiodes, PMMA light guides and custom housings.
Alpha Detection Considerations
SP123 should be used with the coated ZnS(Ag) surface facing the alpha source. Since alpha particles are stopped by very thin layers of material, the detector window, protective film, air gap and surface contamination must be considered during instrument design. If a protective layer is required, its thickness and material should be confirmed before ordering.
The optical readout design should match the 450 nm emission of ZnS(Ag). PMT, SiPM and photodiode selection should consider spectral sensitivity, active area, noise, expected count rate, geometry and coupling method. For large panels, light collection may require a suitable PMMA light guide, reflective wrapping or multi-sensor readout layout.
Specifications
SP123 Structure and Design Notes
SP123 is a coated scintillation screen. The ZnS(Ag) coating detects alpha particles, while the PMMA substrate provides mechanical support and optical transmission.
| Layer / Item | Function | Design Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ZnS(Ag) coating | Primary alpha-sensitive scintillating layer | The standard coating areal density is 4.5 mg/cm2. Uniformity and coating area should be specified for large panels. |
| PMMA substrate | Mechanical support and optical backing | Substrate thickness can be 0.1-10 mm depending on rigidity, transparency, handling and housing design. |
| Active area | Alpha-sensitive detection surface | The active coated area should be defined separately from the total mechanical panel size if margins are required. |
| Readout method | PMT, SiPM, photodiode or optical module | Sensor area, light-guide geometry and coupling method influence collection efficiency. |
| Protection method | Open surface, protective film or housing-defined surface | Any protective layer must be reviewed carefully because alpha particles are easily stopped by surface materials. |
| Panel size | Custom shapes and large-area formats | Panels up to 1000 x 1000 mm can be reviewed with handling and uniformity requirements. |
Properties of SP123 Plastic Scintillators
The following values are based on the original SP123 product data. Final specifications depend on substrate thickness, coating area, inspection method and detector assembly.
| Property | PMMA Substrate | ZnS(Ag) Coating |
|---|---|---|
| Material | PMMA | ZnS(Ag) |
| Density | 1.19 g/cm3 | 4.1 g/cm3 |
| Refractive index | 1.49 | Not specified |
| Light output relative to anthracene | Not applicable | 280% |
| Peak emission | Not applicable | 450 nm |
| Scintillation decay time | Not applicable | 200 ns |
| Operating temperature | −40 to +55°C | −40 to +55°C |
| Coating areal density | Not applicable | 4.5 mg/cm2 |
| Substrate thickness | 0.1-10 mm | Not applicable |
| Maximum panel size | Up to 1000 x 1000 mm, depending on order requirements | Coated area and uniformity to be confirmed |
SP123 vs. Related Plastic Scintillator Products
SP123 is best understood as a ZnS(Ag)-coated alpha scintillator screen on a PMMA substrate. Other SP products use different substrates, coating structures or detection targets.
| Product | Main Structure | Primary Use | Selection Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SP123 Plastic Scintillator | PMMA substrate with ZnS(Ag) coating, typically 4.5 mg/cm2 | Alpha-ray detection and large-area contamination monitoring | Choose when an alpha-sensitive ZnS(Ag) screen with PMMA backing is required. |
| SP121 Plastic Scintillator | SP102 base with ZnS(Ag) coating, typically 4.5 mg/cm2 | Alpha and beta radiation measurement | Choose when dual alpha/beta detection is needed. |
| SP122 Plastic Scintillator | SP101 base with ZnS(Ag) coating, typically 8-10 mg/cm2 | Low-energy gamma detection | Choose when a coated plastic scintillator is needed for low-energy gamma response. |
| SP102 Plastic Scintillator | Thin polystyrene-based plastic scintillator | Beta-ray and charged-particle detection | Choose for thin beta detector designs where gamma background should pass with limited interaction. |
| SP101 Plastic Scintillator | Blue-emitting plastic scintillator | Gamma-ray, X-ray and general ionizing radiation detection | Choose for general plastic scintillator panels, bars, blocks and detector assemblies. |
| SPM100 Light Guide | Cast PMMA optical light guide | Light transfer and sensor coupling | Choose when optical coupling or geometry transition is needed, not as the active scintillator. |
Applications
Applications of SP123 Alpha Scintillator Screens
Hand-held alpha probes and surface contamination meters
Whole body contamination monitoring systems
Large-area alpha-ray detection installations
Radiological protection and nuclear safety instruments
Custom alpha detector panels and prototype assemblies
Laboratory alpha counting setups requiring ZnS(Ag) screens
Ordering
How to Order Custom ZnS(Ag) Alpha Scintillator Screens
For an accurate SP123 quotation, define the total panel size, active coated area, PMMA substrate thickness, coating areal density, surface uniformity requirement, edge margin, readout method, sensor type, housing structure and whether any protective layer is required. For large-area instruments, provide drawings showing the coated side, active area, mounting holes, cable space and sensor position.
If the panel will be used in a calibrated contamination monitor, please specify the target alpha source or energy range, expected count-rate condition, active area tolerance, response uniformity requirement and any inspection method required by the instrument design.
Email your drawing, coated active area and quantity to sales@atrscintillator.com. If your instrument needs both alpha and beta detection, review SP121 alpha/beta scintillator screens, which use an active plastic scintillator beneath the ZnS(Ag) coating.
SP123 Plastic Scintillator RFQ Checklist
Providing the following information helps ATR Crystal review feasibility and quote more accurately.
| RFQ Item | Information to Provide |
|---|---|
| Application | Surface contamination meter, whole body monitor, alpha detector panel, laboratory alpha counter or custom detector assembly. |
| Panel geometry | Total size, active area, thickness, shape, edge margin, mounting holes and drawing. |
| Material structure | PMMA substrate thickness, ZnS(Ag) coating density, coated side and coating area. |
| Optical readout | PMT, SiPM, photodiode, light guide, reflector, optical grease or coupling requirement. |
| Surface requirement | Coating uniformity, surface protection, handling condition and inspection method. |
| Operating condition | Temperature range, humidity, cleaning method, housing design and expected mechanical stress. |
| Order information | Prototype quantity, batch quantity, inspection report requirement, packaging and delivery schedule. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SP123 Plastic Scintillator used for?
What is the active scintillating material in SP123?
What is the listed ZnS(Ag) coating areal density?
No. Coating areal density is a mass per unit area, while substrate thickness is a length. Specify them separately, along with coated area and coated side. Do not convert a coating value in mg/cm² directly into a panel thickness or use it as a substitute for the PMMA substrate dimensions.
Can SP123 be made into large panels?
Is SP123 suitable for beta or gamma detection?
What should an SP123 drawing show about the coated face and protective window?
Mark the ZnS(Ag)-coated face, radiation-entry direction, active coating boundary and optical readout arrangement. Identify any proposed window or protective film separately, including its material and thickness. Ask for that layer to be reviewed for the intended alpha measurement; its presence should not be assumed from a panel photograph or a general handling description.
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