Ce:YAG Single Crystal — Scintillator & Phosphor Material Guide
- Material: Y₃Al₅O₁₂:Ce³⁺
- Emission Peak: ~550 nm (green-yellow)
- Decay Time: ~70 ns
- Light Yield: ~20,000 photons/MeV
- Typical Ce Doping: 0.1–0.2 at.%
- Applications: X-ray imaging, radiation detectors, phosphors
Ce:YAG (Cerium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) is a widely used scintillator and phosphor crystal known for its fast decay time, high mechanical strength, and excellent optical stability. With strong green-yellow emission around 550 nm under X-ray, gamma-ray, or electron excitation, Ce:YAG is commonly used in radiation detection, X-ray imaging screens, electron microscopy, and optical readout systems.
The scintillation performance of Ce:YAG depends strongly on Ce³⁺ doping concentration, crystal quality, polishing, and optical coupling. This guide explains how Ce:YAG crystals are grown, how doping affects light yield and decay time, what specifications are required for detector-grade crystals, and how to order custom Ce:YAG components for scientific and industrial applications.
SECTION A — Growth Method for Ce:YAG Crystals
✔ Czochralski (CZ) Growth
Ce:YAG single crystals are typically grown using the Czochralski method, which provides:
- High optical clarity
- Uniform Ce³⁺ distribution
- Large crystal sizes
- Low defect density
- Excellent mechanical robustness
✔ Valence Control (Ce³⁺ Stability)
Cerium must remain in the Ce³⁺ state for efficient scintillation. Growth atmosphere and post-annealing are carefully controlled to suppress Ce⁴⁺ formation.
SECTION B — Ce³⁺ Doping Concentration & Scintillation Properties
Typical Ce doping levels
| Application | Ce Concentration |
|---|---|
| X-ray imaging screens | 0.05–0.2 at.% Ce |
| Scintillation detectors | 0.1–0.5 at.% Ce |
| Phosphor converters | 0.1–0.3 at.% Ce |
Why doping matters
- Higher Ce → stronger absorption & emission
- Excessive Ce → concentration quenching
- Optimal Ce improves light yield & decay speed
Most detector-grade Ce:YAG uses 0.1–0.2 at.% Ce.
SECTION C — Scintillation Characteristics of Ce:YAG
- Emission peak: ~550 nm
- Decay time: ~70 ns
- Light yield: ~20,000 photons/MeV
- Radiation hardness: High
- Afterglow: Very low
These properties make Ce:YAG suitable for fast imaging and high-rate radiation detection.
SECTION D — Optical Polishing & Surface Preparation
Ce:YAG is mechanically hard (Mohs ~8.5) and supports high-quality polishing.
- Scratch–dig: 40–20 (standard) or 20–10 (imaging-grade)
- Flatness: λ/4 to λ/10 @ 632 nm
- Surface roughness: Ra < 5–10 nm
Common forms include polished plates, thin scintillator screens, and detector blocks.
SECTION E — Optical Coupling & Coatings
- CCD / CMOS sensors
- Photodiodes
- PMTs / SiPMs
- Single- or double-side optical polishing
- AR coating @ 550 nm (optional)
- Diffuse back surface (imaging screens)
- Optical epoxy or grease coupling
SECTION F — Applications of Ce:YAG Crystals
✔ Radiation Detection
- X-ray detectors
- Gamma-ray imaging
- Electron beam detection
✔ Imaging & Microscopy
- X-ray imaging screens
- SEM / TEM scintillator screens
- Scientific cameras
✔ Phosphor & Light Conversion
- White LED phosphors
- Laser-pumped phosphor sources
✔ Scientific Instrumentation
- X-ray residual stress analyzers
- Synchrotron diagnostics
- LIBS / optical detection systems
Recommended Ce:YAG Products & Custom Solutions
Based on the specifications above, the following Ce:YAG single crystal products are commonly used in scintillator and phosphor applications. Custom dimensions, doping levels, surface finishes, and optical coupling solutions are available upon request.
SECTION H — How to Order a Custom Ce:YAG Scintillator
- Ce³⁺ concentration (0.05–0.5 at.%)
- Crystal dimensions & thickness
- Surface finish (polished / diffused)
- Optical coupling method
- Coating requirements (AR @ 550 nm)
- Application type
Design-Realized also provides detector assemblies, optical coupling fixtures, and small-batch scintillator prototyping.
