--- title: "YAP:Ce Scintillators for Fast X-Ray Spectroscopy" date: 2024-12-23T08:39:25Z modified: 2026-02-26T04:48:03Z permalink: "https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/yapce/" type: page status: publish excerpt: "" wpid: 18984 --- [ ![](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/CONFIGURE-YOUR-SCINTILLATION-DETECTORS.png) ](/customize-your-scintillation-detector) [](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/images/products/yap_ce_detector_bnc.png) ![Yttrium Aluminum Perovskite (YAP:Ce) Scintillators](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/images/products/yap_ce_detector_bnc.png) - [ Quote ](/customize-your-scintillation-detector) - [ Contact ](/contact-us/) - [ Datasheet ](#technical-resources-section) #### 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. ##### [Features](#features-section) ##### [Specifications](#specifications-section) ##### [Accessories](#accessories-section) ##### [Tech Resources](#technical-resources-section) ##### [Media](#media-section) ##### [Downloable Resources](#downloadable-section) ##### [Price List](#pricelist-section) ##### [FAQ](#faq-section) #### 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](http://t.sidekickopen69.com/e1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lC8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XZsRzsQHMQK8vPf01G0W2zWM_W56dKFFf58RQqj02?t=https%3A%2F%2Fberkeleynucleonics.com%2Fonline-training-scintillation-crystals-and-detectors&si=5890484300939264&pi=098bd47e-b713-4682-d25a-962326ac848c) page to access the module or for more information. ![](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/training_photos-1-1024x684.jpg) #### Technical Resources [ Press Room - Scintillation Detectors: Attenuation Length Of Optical Emission](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/23538/?tmstv=1778700934) [ Press Room - Custom-Built Scintillation Detectors For Every Application](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/23544/?tmstv=1778700934) [ Press Room - Scintillator | What Are Scintillator Materials?](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/23550/?tmstv=1778700934) [ Press Room - YAP:Ce Detectors from Berkeley Nucleonics](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/24056/?tmstv=1778700934) [ Effects of Polarity on High Voltage Bias of Photomultipliers - Tech Note](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/23532/?tmstv=1778700934) [ Model YAP:Ce Datasheet](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/24372/?tmstv=1778700934) #### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) #### Downloadable Resources Downloadable resources such as datasheets, firmware, software, drivers and products manuals. Alternatively, you can browse resources directly by visiting our [downloads page](/downloads). - [Product Datasheets](/downloads#scint-datasheets) - [Product Firmware](/downloads#scint-firmware) - [Product Software and Drivers](/downloads#scint-softwaredrivers) - [Product Manuals](/downloads#scint-manuals) #### Media ## Playlist ![An Interview with Paul Schotanus of SCIONIX HOLLAND](https://img.youtube.com/vi/qIFbrAGimTM/maxresdefault.jpg) #### An Interview with Paul Schotanus of SCIONIX HOLLAND 4:28 ![Introduction to the Model 525 GUI](https://img.youtube.com/vi/ypA-9_Nihcw/maxresdefault.jpg) #### Introduction to the Model 525 GUI 4:15 #### Price Lists [ Berkeley Nucleonics Price List 2026](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/19881/?tmstv=1778700934) [ ![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg' viewBox%3D'0 0 1500 138'%2F%3E) ](/customize-your-scintillation-detector)