[en] 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 (Lu_0.7-Y_0.3)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

[en] In September 1998, the CMS electromagnetic calorimeter entered into its construction phase. Since that time, more than 2000 crystals have been produced by Bogoroditsk Techno-Chemical Plant (BTCP) in Russia and analysed at CERN. An overview about mechanical and optical properties as well as radiation hardness characteristics of these crystals will be presented

[en] The application at medium and low energies of lead tungstate scintillators, so far optimized for the ECAL calorimeter of CMS for the future LHC, is strongly limited by their poor light yield. Suitable dopants like molybdenum and terbium can help to overcome this problem. Concepts, results, advantages and drawbacks of this approach are discussed

[en] The development of new scintillators as components of modern detector systems is increasingly defined by the end user's needs. This book provides an introduction to this emerging topic at the interface of physics and materials sciences, with emphasis on bulk inorganic scintillators. After surveying the end user's needs in a vast range of applications, ranging from astrophysics to industrial R and D, the authors move on to review scintillating mechanisms and the properties of the most important materials used. A chapter on crystal engineering and examples of recent developments in the field of high-energy physics and medical imaging introduce the reader to the practical aspects. This book will benefit researchers and scientists working in academic and industrial R and D related to the development of scintillators. (orig.)

[en] Methods to suppress damage centres in lead tungstate (PWO) crystals under irradiation are discussed. It is shown that in large size scintillation elements (23 cm in length) the minimization of both electron and hole centers created under irradiation by recharge of structural defects is achieved by proper stoichiometry tuning and additional simultaneous doping of crystals by Y and Nb. The different aspects of the suppression of the recharge process in PWO scintillation crystals are also discussed

[en] A very good radiation resistance of lead tungstate crystals is mandatory for their use in the high-precision electromagnetic calorimeter of the CMS experiment at LHC. Since the beginning of 1996 we have organised systematic investigations of the parameters influencing the radiation hardness of this crystal. Two classes of parameters have been particularly studied, the first one related to the control of the stoichiometry and structure-associated defects, the second one connected with the suppression and the charge compensation of existing defects with different kinds of doping ions. This paper reports about the second part of this study and complements a first paper where the role of the stoichiometry was already discussed. Results of tests are given on a significant statistical sample of full size crystals (23 cm) which show a considerable improvement in the optical properties and the radiation resistance of appropriately doped crystals. (orig.)

[en] An investigation is made of the dynamics and visible-range luminosity of the plasma cloud produced behind the front of a shock wave in air at a pressure of 1 Torr. The shock wave was produced on introducing the radiation of the twelve-channel Iskra-5 laser facility with a total energy of ∼2300 J into a hollow spherical plastic target of mass ∼10^-4 g. Experimental data are compared with simulations. (laser plasma)

[en] JSC Bogoroditsk Technical Chemical Plant, BTCP, has produced up to date more than 20,000 lead tungstate scintillation elements for the electromagnetic calorimeter of CMS Collaboration. Here we report on the status of the crystal production and results of the quality insurance program, which is performed by the Collaboration in cooperation with BTCP to keep crystal properties within specifications