First results on prototype production of new LuYAP crystals

A small animal positron emission tomograph, ClearPET, is under development by the Crystal Clear Collaboration at CERN. ClearPET, a detector with Depth Of Interaction (DOI) determination capability is based on LSO:Ce and (Lu0.7–Y0.3)AlO3:Ce ((Lu–Y)AP:Ce or LuYAP) scintillation crystals assembled in two-layer matrix with PMT readout. The key point of the ClearPET challenge was the development of the mass production technology of Lu-based scintillation crystals with perovskite structure. The LuYAP scintillation crystal has been proposed several years ago but its mass production technology could only be managed now, through tremendous efforts of the Crystal Clear Collaboration and of its industrial partners. Crystal ingots 18–25 mm in diameter and 170–210 mm in length are available now. In this paper, we discuss the results of the crystal mass production technology development and its application in detecting modules.