Bismuth Germanate (BGO) Scintillation Crystal Description
Bismuth Germanate (BGO) Scintillation Crystal is a cubic structure with 7.13g/cm^3 density. Because of its high density and atomic number of bismuth (83), BGO is a high Z and density scintillation material. It is a highly effective gamma-ray absorber. BGO Scintillation Crystal has an emission peak of 480 nm which couples well with PMT and SiPM. Unlike other Scintillation crystals, BGO shows an unparalleled absorption rate at photopeak. Bismuth Germanate (BGO) Scintillation Crystal has Mechanically robust characteristics and is non-hygroscopic. Also, it has no cleavage planes, people can machine BGO into different shapes and geometries.
Bismuth Germanate (BGO) Scintillation Crystal Specifications
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Material
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Bi4Ge3O12
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Melting Point
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1044℃
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Thermal Expansion Coeff.
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7*10-6 C-1
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Hardness
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5 Mohs
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Hygroscopic
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None
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Wavelength (Max. Emission)
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480nm
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Wavelength Range
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375-650nm
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Light Yield
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8 - 10 photons/keV
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Decay Time
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300ns
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Photoelectron Yield
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15 - 20% of NaI(Tl)
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Radiation Length
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1.118cm
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Radiation Length
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7.97g/cm^2
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Moliere Radius
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2.259cm
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Optical Transmission
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0.15 - 12.5µm
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Transmittance
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>90 (0.35 - 9µm)%
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Reflection Loss/Surface
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6.8%
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Neutron Capture Cross-section
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1.47barns
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Bismuth Germanate (BGO) Scintillation Crystal Applications
Used in radiation detectors.
Used in Positron Emission Tomography (PET).
Used in Compton suppression spectrometers.
Used in gamma spectroscopy.
Used in medical imaging.
Bismuth Germanate (BGO) Scintillation Crystal Packaging
Our Bismuth Germanate (BGO) Scintillation Crystal is carefully handled during storage and transportation to preserve the quality of our product in its original condition.
FAQs
Q1 Why is Bismuth Germanate (BGO) used as a scintillator?
BGO is used as a scintillator due to its high density, high atomic number, and good light yield, which makes it effective at absorbing high-energy radiation and emitting visible light. It is particularly suited for applications requiring gamma-ray detection and medical imaging due to its ability to produce detectable light from radiation interactions.
Q2 How does BGO work as a scintillator?
BGO works as a scintillator by absorbing the energy from high-energy radiation (such as gamma rays or X-rays) and converting it into visible light. The absorbed radiation excites electrons in the crystal, which then release energy in the form of light when they return to their ground state. This light is detected by photodetectors such as photomultiplier tubes or photodiodes to measure the intensity and energy of the radiation.
Q3. In which types of radiation detection systems is BGO used?
BGO is used in several types of radiation detection systems, including:
- PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scanners for medical imaging.
- Gamma-ray spectrometers for nuclear physics and medical diagnostics.
- CT scanners to detect gamma radiation for imaging purposes.
- Security screening systems to detect radioactive materials in airports and other public places.
- Nuclear reactors and radiation therapy to monitor radiation levels.
