Where to Buy Custom Scintillator Crystals 

Scintillator crystals such as CsI(Tl), NaI(Tl), LYSO, BGO, and LaBr₃ are widely used in:

• Gamma spectroscopy
• Portable radiation detectors
• Medical imaging
• Homeland security
• Nuclear research
• Industrial scanning

However, many applications require customized crystals, not off-the-shelf parts:

• Special sizes
• Specific dopant concentrations
• Optical finishes
• SiPM-optimized geometries
• Mechanical ruggedization
• hermetic packaging

This guide explains what to look for, what to provide, and where to order custom scintillator crystals.

What Makes a Good Scintillator Supplier?

1. Crystal Growth Capabilities

Look for suppliers specializing in:

• CsI(Tl), NaI(Tl), pure CsI
• LYSO / LSO / LuAG
• BGO
• LaBr₃(Ce)
• Ce-doped variants
• Cut, polish, and packaging

2. Support for Custom Dimensions

A good vendor must offer:

• Custom cubes
• Cylinders
• Prisms
• Tapered light guides
• Thin plates
• Integrated SiPM-sized crystals

3. Optical Finishing & Surface Quality

Options should include:

• Optical polish
• Ground finish
• Specular reflector coatings
• ESR/TEFLON wrapping

4. Dopant Control & Spectral Optimization

Important for:

• CsI(Tl) (Thallium concentration control)
• Ce-doped LYSO and LaBr₃
• High uniformity for spectroscopy

5. Packaging & Hermetic Sealing

Especially critical for:

• NaI(Tl) (strongly hygroscopic)
• LaBr₃(Ce) (slightly hygroscopic)
• CsI(Tl) (low hygroscopicity but coating recommended)

What Information Customers Should Provide

When ordering custom scintillator crystals, prepare the following:

• Dimensions (mm or inches)
• Geometry (cylinder, cube, plate, etc.)
• Dopant level (Tl%, Ce%, etc.)
• Surface finish (polished / ground)
• Wrapping or coating requirements
• Photodetector type (PMT / SiPM)
• Whether hermetic packaging is needed
• Application (spectroscopy, imaging, dosimetry)

Providing these details significantly improves accuracy and reduces lead time.

Recommended Scintillator Materials and Their Uses

CsI(Tl)

• Portable detectors
• Rugged spectroscopy systems
• High light yield applications

NaI(Tl)

• General spectroscopy
• Low-cost systems
• Teaching & environmental monitoring

LYSO(Ce)

• Fast timing
• SiPM-based devices
• PET, coincidence detection

BGO

• High-energy gamma detection
• Compact detectors
• Space-constrained systems

LaBr₃(Ce)

• High-resolution spectroscopy
• Nuclear physics & homeland security
• Precision energy calibration

Why Many Labs Choose Custom Crystals Instead of Standard Sizes

• Improved detector performance
• Optimized coupling to PMTs or SiPMs
• Reduced noise due to correct surface finish
• Ability to integrate crystals into small or rugged instruments
• Adjustable dopant concentration for specific timing needs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Where can I buy custom CsI(Tl), NaI(Tl), LYSO, BGO, or LaBr₃ crystals?

From specialized scintillator manufacturers that support custom growth, machining, finishing, and packaging.

Q2. Can I order a single crystal?

Yes — many research-oriented suppliers accept small quantity orders.

Q3. Do scintillators need hermetic sealing?

NaI(Tl) → Yes
LaBr₃ → Recommended
CsI(Tl) → Optional
LYSO & BGO → No

Q4. What is needed to request a quote?

Size, geometry, dopant %, finish, and photodetector type.

Q5. Can suppliers match crystals to SiPMs?

Yes — especially LYSO and CsI(Tl), which are commonly used with SiPM arrays.