The performance of scintillators in the field of security inspection is indeed remarkable, as they can quickly detect the radiation emitted by dangerous items, providing accurate evidence for security checks. GAGG, with its high light output and fast decay time, is particularly suitable for detecting X-rays and gamma rays. LaBr3, with its excellent energy resolution, holds good application potential for high-precision detection, helping to identify different types of radiation sources.

Scintillation Crystals for Security Inspection Systems

Scintillation crystals are the core sensing material in X-ray and gamma-ray based security inspection equipment. In luggage scanners, cargo X-ray systems, and radiation portal monitors, scintillation crystals convert incoming radiation into light pulses that are processed into images or spectral data. The speed of response, light output efficiency, and radiation stopping power of the crystal directly affect how quickly and accurately the system can identify materials and flag suspicious items.

EBO manufactures scintillation crystals and crystal detector arrays for security inspection equipment manufacturers, customs inspection system integrators, and radiation detection instrument producers.

Crystal Detection Principle in Security Scanning

In an X-ray baggage or cargo scanner, an X-ray source projects a beam through the inspected object. The transmitted X-rays strike a linear scintillator array on the opposite side, where each crystal element converts the X-ray intensity into a proportional light signal. A photodetector array coupled to the crystals converts the light into electrical signals, which are digitized and processed to generate a cross-sectional image showing material density and atomic composition.

For radiation portal monitors and radioactive material detection equipment, gamma-ray scintillation crystals detect discrete photon events and measure their energy to identify specific isotopes.

Crystal Materials for Security Inspection Applications

GAGG(Ce) offers a high photon yield and fast decay time, making it suitable for applications requiring both high sensitivity and fast throughput, such as in-line parcel screening.

GAGG Scintillation Crystal

LaBr3 and CLYC are used in advanced radiation identification instruments where the ability to discriminate between gamma and neutron radiation is required for nuclear security and border control applications.

LaBr Scintillation Crystal

Custom Scintillator Arrays for Security Inspection Equipment

EBO fabricates custom scintillation crystal arrays for direct integration into security scanner detector modules. Customization parameters include:

Array configuration: 1D linear strip arrays for transmission-mode scanners, 2D pixelated arrays for computed tomography-based inspection systems
Pixel pitch and element size: customized to the spatial resolution specification of the scanner
Crystal material: selected for the target energy range and required response speed
Reflector material: BaSO4, ESR, or E20 film to control optical cross-talk between adjacent elements

Hermetic packaging options for detector assemblies requiring sealed enclosures

Contact EBO with your detector module specifications to request a technical consultation or sample order.