The melt growth of large LuAP single crystals for PET scanners

Performance properties of LuAP, a material of highly promising potential for future PET scanners, are presented, as they relate to crystal growth and composition. The light yield measured in 2×2×10 mm3 elements with 0.4-0.5% Ce and cut from large size crystals (100 mm long and 15 mm in diameter) grown by the Bridgman technique is improved to 40% LSO. The ratio between light yield measured in vertical and horizontal arrangements in the best crystals is near 90%. The role of chemical purity in respect to divalent impurities is studied.