Comparison of LSO, LGSO and MLS scintillators

The luminescence and nuclear spectroscopic properties of recent LSO, LGSO and MLS scintillators were investigated and compared to those of older LSO and LGSO crystals. UV-excited luminescent spectra outline important similarities between these scintillators. The two distinct luminescence mechanisms previously identified in LSO appear to be present in all crystals. The relative light yield and energy resolution were assessed using an avalanche photodiode (APD) readout. The energy resolution of all scintillators is found to be affected by an important systematic contribution that seriously limits the crystal resolution, irrespective of the light yield.