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

Yaniv Kurman, Avner Shultzman, Ohad Segal, Adi Pick, Ido Kaminer*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

49 Scopus citations

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
Article number040801
JournalPhysical Review Letters
Volume125
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 24 Jul 2020
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 American Physical Society.

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