YAP:Ce Scintillators for Fast X-Ray Spectroscopy
YAP:Ce crystal scintillators are fast, mechanically robust materials well-suited for detecting low-energy X-rays and gamma rays. Their very short decay time enables operation at high count rates of several MHz, supporting applications that require rapid response and high throughput.
Key Properties of YAP:Ce Scintillation Detectors
- Fast Decay Time — Allows high count-rate performance without significant pile-up, ideal for dynamic or high-flux environments.
- Mechanical Toughness — Resistant to shock, vibration, and thermal stress, suitable for field, industrial, or portable instruments.
- Effective for Low-Energy Radiation — Good light yield and detection efficiency for X-rays and lower-energy gamma rays (typically up to a few hundred keV).
- Non-Hygroscopic — Does not require heavy moisture protection, simplifying handling and encapsulation compared to many halide scintillators.
YAP:Ce scintillators are available encapsulated with an entrance window, optically coupled to light sensors (PMT, SiPM, or photodiode), or as complete detector assemblies with front-end electronics optimized for fast counting.
Overview
YAP:Ce scintillators offer an alternative to thin NaI(Tl) crystals traditionally used for low energy X-ray and gamma ray applications. The count rate of NaI(Tl) however, is limited to only several hundred kHz. YAP:Ce on the other hand is roughly ten times faster than NaI(Tl) allowing for its efficient use at very high count rates. In addition, YAP:Ce scintillators are not hygroscopic and do not need to be hermetically sealed. Fully finished YAP:Ce detector assemblies are available from Berkeley Nucleonics in a range of sizes and configurations. Contact BNC to discuss your requirements.
Specifications
Physical Properties of YAP:Ce Compared to NaI(Tl)
YAP:Ce
NaI(Tl)
Density (g/cm3)
5.55
3.67
Effective atomic number
36
50
Rel. photo electron yield
35-40
100
Refractive index
1.94
1.85
Emission maximum (nm)
350
410
Decay time (ns)
27
230
Hardness (Mho)
8.5
2
Hygroscopic
no
yes
Maximum diameter (mm)
50
500
Energy Resolution for YAP:Ce Scintillation Detectors
Source
Energy
Energy resolution (FWHM)
Am-241
59.5 keV
20%
I-129
30.0 keV
32%
Co-57
14.4 keV
45%
Fe-55
5.9 keV
69%
Accessories
Free Online Training Module – An Introduction to Scintillation Crystals and Detectors
Visit our Training page to access the module or for more information.
Technical Resources
Press Room – Custom-Built Scintillation Detectors For Every Application
Press Room – Scintillator | What Are Scintillator Materials?
Press Room – YAP:Ce Detectors from Berkeley Nucleonics
Effects of Polarity on High Voltage Bias of Photomultipliers – Tech Note
Model YAP:Ce Datasheet
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Downloadable Resources
Media
Playlist
4:28
4:15
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