Lutetium–yttrium oxyorthosilicate, also known as LYSO, is an inorganic chemical compound with main use as a

scintillator A scintillator is a material that exhibits scintillation, the property of luminescence, when excited by ionizing radiation. Luminescent materials, when struck by an incoming particle, absorb its energy and scintillate (i.e. re-emit the absorbed ...

crystal for

gamma radiation A gamma ray, also known as gamma radiation (symbol γ or \gamma), is a penetrating form of electromagnetic radiation arising from the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei. It consists of the shortest wavelength electromagnetic waves, typically s ...

detection. Its chemical formula is Lu_2(1-x)Y_2xSiO₅. The percentage of yttrium varies considerably, with values in the literature ranging from 5% to 70%. It is commonly used to build screens and electromagnetic

calorimeter A calorimeter is an object used for calorimetry, or the process of measuring the heat of chemical reactions or physical changes as well as heat capacity. Differential scanning calorimeters, isothermal micro calorimeters, titration calorimete ...

s in

particle physics Particle physics or high energy physics is the study of fundamental particles and forces that constitute matter and radiation. The fundamental particles in the universe are classified in the Standard Model as fermions (matter particles) an ...

. LYSO crystals have the advantages of high light output and density, quick decay time, excellent energy resolution. The crystals are often grown in boules using the Czochralski process, and cutting or polishing can be challenging because LYSO is brittle and hard.

References

Phosphors and scintillators Crystals Silicates Lutetium compounds Yttrium compounds {{inorganic-compound-stub