Bismuth Germanate (Bi₄Ge₃O₁₂), commonly known as BGO, is a high-density, non-hygroscopic scintillation crystal widely used for gamma-ray and high-energy photon detection. Its high effective atomic number, strong stopping power, and excellent mechanical robustness make it a reliable choice for radiation detection systems where efficiency and stability are critical.
Although BGO has a moderate light yield and relatively slow decay time compared with some modern scintillators, its high absorption efficiency and durability continue to make it a preferred material in many nuclear, medical, and industrial applications.
Key Properties of Bismuth Germanate (BGO)
- High Density & Effective Atomic Number: Excellent gamma-ray absorption, enabling compact detector designs and reduced background scatter.
- Moderate Light Yield: Sufficient scintillation output for reliable signal detection in many practical systems.
- Relatively Slow Decay Time: Well suited for applications prioritizing energy resolution and detection efficiency over ultra-fast timing.
- Robust & Non-Hygroscopic: Mechanically stable and easy to handle, without the need for sealed or controlled environments.
Crystal & Scintillation Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Bi₄Ge₃O₁₂ |
| Crystal Structure | Cubic system |
| Density | 7.13 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1050 °C |
| Radiation Length | 11 mm |
| Refractive Index | 2.15 |
| Emission Peak | 480 nm |
| Decay Constant | ~300 ns |
| Light Output | 11% – 14% (relative) |
| Energy Resolution | ~20% @ 511 keV |
BGO’s high density and short radiation length provide strong stopping power for γ-ray detection.
Typical Applications of BGO
- High-energy & nuclear physics (gamma-ray detectors and particle detection systems)
- Medical imaging (PET scanners and nuclear medicine instrumentation)
- Geological & environmental monitoring (gamma-ray spectrometry and surveying)
- Oil well logging (radiation-based subsurface analysis)
- Security & inspection systems (cargo scanning and radioactive material detection)
Shape Optics BGO Capabilities
Shape Optics Technologies supplies high-quality BGO scintillation crystals and crystal blanks, supported by over 20 years of optical and crystal-processing expertise.
Product & Service Offering
- BGO scintillation crystals for radiation detection
- High-quality BGO crystal blank materials
- OEM and custom crystal solutions for detectors and instruments
Why Choose Bismuth Germanate (BGO)?
BGO remains a proven scintillation material for applications requiring:
- High gamma-ray stopping power
- Stable and durable detector performance
- Good energy resolution
- Ease of handling (non-hygroscopic)
Its long history of use in high-energy physics, nuclear medicine, geological prospecting, and industrial radiation detection underscores its reliability and versatility.