Timing properties of LuAP:Ce studied with large-area avalanche photodiodes

Prompted by recent interest in positron emission tomography scanners equipped with LuAP:Ce (LuAlO/sub 3/:Ce) scintillators read by avalanche photodiodes, we have measured timing properties of this scintillating material with large-area avalanche photodiodes (LAAPDs) from Advanced Photonix, Inc. (API). We have obtained a time resolution of 1.16/spl plusmn/0.06 ns for 511 keV peak from a /sup 22/Na source with energy threshold set at 400 keV and 680/spl plusmn/35 ps for /sup 60/Co source with energy threshold set at I MeV. The dependence of time resolution on LAAPD gain was measured showing improved timing at gains over 200, but at the cost of higher excess noise. Comparing the time resolution of LuAP:Ce and LSO:Ce measured with LAAPD and photomultipliers, we discuss the dependence of timing properties on the tight output and decay time of these scintillators.