Thallium-doped sodium iodide (NaI:Tl) is one of the most commonly used scintillation crystals in radiation detection due to its excellent scintillation properties and cost-effectiveness. This crystal has been a staple in various applications, particularly in nuclear medicine and environmental monitoring, for many decades.
Properties of Thallium-doped Sodium Iodide (NaI:Tl):
- High Light Yield: NaI:Tl is known for its high light yield, which translates into excellent detection efficiency, making it easier to achieve high-quality measurements of radiation.
- Good Energy Resolution: It provides good energy resolution, which is crucial for distinguishing between different types of radiation and their energy levels.
- Fast Response Time: The decay time of NaI:Tl is relatively fast, typically around 230 nanoseconds, allowing for quick data collection and analysis.
- Hygroscopic Nature: One notable drawback of NaI:Tl is its hygroscopic nature; it readily absorbs moisture from the air, which can degrade its optical properties. As such, it must be housed in hermetically sealed containers to protect it from humidity.
Applications:
- Medical Imaging: NaI:Tl is extensively used in gamma cameras and other imaging systems in nuclear medicine, such as single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Its ability to detect gamma rays effectively makes it invaluable for diagnostic imaging.
- Radiation Detection: This crystal is a key component in handheld radiation survey meters and fixed radiation detectors used in environmental monitoring, nuclear facilities, and border security.
- Resource Exploration: In the oil and gas industry, NaI:Tl is employed in well logging tools. These tools help identify and quantify the geological formations encountered during drilling, using gamma-ray spectrometry.
- Astrophysics and Cosmic Research: Due to its sensitivity to gamma rays, NaI:Tl is also used in space-based telescopes and observatories to study cosmic phenomena.
The manufacturing of NaI:Tl crystals involves careful doping of sodium iodide with thallium and meticulous processing to ensure the crystal’s clarity and uniformity. The crystal’s widespread use across various fields highlights its versatility and effectiveness in detecting and analyzing different types of ionizing radiation.
Shapeoptics is Able to Offer
- Good quality Tl:NaI scintillation crystal
- Good quality Tl:NaI crystal blank materials
- OEM service for good quality Tl:NaI crystals
Crystal Properties
Thallium doped Sodium Iodide (NaI:Tl) as a good performance scintillation crystal, with very high luminescence efficiency, can be used in the application of Environmental Monitoring, Oil well logging, High-energy Physics and etc.
| Density / g.cm-3 | 3.67 |
| Melting Point / ℃ | 651 |
| Mohs Hardness | 2.1 |
| Thermal Expansion / K-1 | 47.4 x 10-6 |
| Refractive Index | 1.85 |
| Emission Peak / nm | 415 |
| Decay Constant / ns | 250 |
| Light Yield / photons / keV | 38 x 103 |
| Cleavage Plane | (100) |
| Hygroscopic | Yes |
Shapeoptics offers a comprehensive range of materials and advanced equipment for custom and OEM optical components, leveraging over 20 years of expertise in manufacturing lenses, prisms, windows, and more. We utilize high-quality materials like UV and IR grade fused silica, Germanium, and ZnSe, among others. Our state-of-the-art techniques and equipment minimize waste and optimize delivery times. Our in-house capabilities include standard and custom coatings across the UV-NIR spectrum, ensuring high quality and compliance with all industry standards. For precision and reliability in optics, contact Shapeoptics for your next project.
