Photonic-Crystal Scintillators: Molding the Flow of Light to Enhance X-Ray and γ -Ray Detection

Scintillators are central for detection of γ-ray, x-ray, and high energy particles in various applications, all seeking higher scintillation yield and rate. However, these are limited by the intrinsic isotropy of spontaneous emission of the scintillation light and its inefficient outcoupling. We pro...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physical review letters 2020-07, Vol.125 (4), p.1-040801, Article 040801
Main Authors: Kurman, Yaniv, Shultzman, Avner, Segal, Ohad, Pick, Adi, Kaminer, Ido
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Isotropy
Light emission
Photonic crystals
Scintillation
Scintillation counters
Spontaneous emission
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Summary:Scintillators are central for detection of γ-ray, x-ray, and high energy particles in various applications, all seeking higher scintillation yield and rate. However, these are limited by the intrinsic isotropy of spontaneous emission of the scintillation light and its inefficient outcoupling. We propose a new design methodology for scintillators that exploits the Purcell effect to enhance their light emission. As examples, we show 1D photonic crystals from scintillator materials that achieve directional emission and fivefold enhancement in the number of detectable photons per excitation.
ISSN:0031-9007
1079-7114
DOI:10.1103/PhysRevLett.125.040801