CsI(Tl) vs NaI(Tl) vs LYSO vs BGO vs LaBr₃
Share
CsI(Tl) vs NaI(Tl) vs LYSO vs BGO vs LaBr₃ — Full Comparison Guide
Choosing the right scintillator is crucial for gamma spectroscopy, radiation monitoring, nuclear research, handheld detectors, and high-energy applications.
This guide compares the five most widely used scintillators:
CsI(Tl), NaI(Tl), LYSO, BGO, and LaBr₃(Ce).
Quick Summary — Best Choice for Each Application
| Application | Recommended Scintillator | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Portable detectors | CsI(Tl) | Rugged + high light yield |
| High-resolution spectroscopy | LaBr₃(Ce) | Best resolution (2.6–3%) |
| Low-cost spectroscopy | NaI(Tl) | Good performance + cheap |
| Fast timing / PET | LYSO | Very fast (40 ns) |
| High-energy gamma / compact detectors | BGO | Very high density (7.13 g/cm³) |
Master Comparison Table
Core Physical & Spectral Properties
| Property | CsI(Tl) | NaI(Tl) | LYSO | BGO | LaBr₃ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Yield (ph/MeV) | 54k | 38–42k | 26–33k | 8k | 63k |
| Density (g/cm³) | 4.51 | 3.67 | 7.1 | 7.13 | 5.1 |
| Emission Peak | 550 nm | 415 nm | 420 nm | 480 nm | 380 nm |
| Hygroscopicity | Slight | High | None | None | Slight |
| Mechanical Ruggedness | High | Low | High | High | Medium |
| Decay Time | 1000 ns | 230 ns | 40 ns | 300 ns | 16–20 ns |
Spectroscopy Performance
| Property | CsI(Tl) | NaI(Tl) | LYSO | BGO | LaBr₃ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution @ 662 keV | 6% | 6–7% | 8–10% | 10–12% | 2.6–3% |
| Non-proportionality | Medium | Medium | Low | High | Low |
| Photostatistics | Excellent | Good | Moderate | Poor | Excellent |
Cost Comparison
| Crystal | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CsI(Tl) | Low–Medium | Best price-performance |
| NaI(Tl) | Low | Cheapest, but fragile |
| LYSO | Medium | Non-hygroscopic, fast |
| BGO | Medium | Very dense |
| LaBr₃ | High | Best resolution, expensive |
When to Choose Each Crystal
CsI(Tl) — Best for Rugged, Portable, High-Light Applications
Choose CsI(Tl) if:
- You need ~6% resolution
- You need high light yield
- You want rugged hardware
- Your detector will be used outdoors or handheld
- You want low cost but high performance
NaI(Tl) — Best for Low Cost Spectroscopy
Choose NaI(Tl) if:
- Budget is limited
- You need good resolution (~6–7%)
- You accept fragility
- Hermetic sealing is acceptable
LYSO — Best for Fast Timing & Compact Detectors
Choose LYSO if:
- You need fast response (<50 ns)
- You need non-hygroscopic material
- You use SiPMs
- Resolution is less important
BGO — Best for High-Energy Gamma or Compact Geometry
Choose BGO if:
- You need high density
- Space is limited
- You need high-Z stopping power
- Resolution is less important
LaBr₃(Ce) — Best for High-End Gamma Spectroscopy
Choose LaBr₃ if:
- You need the best resolution (2.6–3%)
- You can afford high cost
- Slight hygroscopicity is manageable
- You want premium performance
How to Choose for Your Application (Decision Tree)
- Need the best resolution? → LaBr₃
- Need great all-around performance? → CsI(Tl)
- Need low cost? → NaI(Tl)
- Need fast timing? → LYSO
- Need high density? → BGO
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which scintillator has the best energy resolution?
LaBr₃(Ce) with 2.6–3%.
Q2. Which scintillator is best for portable devices?
CsI(Tl) — rugged, high light yield, inexpensive.
Q3. Which scintillator is fastest?
LYSO (~40 ns) and LaBr₃ (~20 ns).
Q4. Which scintillator has the highest gamma detection efficiency?
BGO and LYSO (both ~7.1 g/cm³).
Q5. Which scintillator is non-hygroscopic?
LYSO and BGO.