Material for ionizing radiation detection

New scintillation material is claimed, namely, a lead dichloride single crystal activated with europium within 0.01 mol.% and 5 mol.%. For the same size and the same detector-source configuration, the detection efficiency of the PbCl2(Eu) material is better by up to 40% than the conventional NaI(Tl). Thus, for the same detection efficiency the detector element of the new material can significantly be reduced in size. The PbCl2(Eu) single crystal was grown by crystallization from the melt, finished into a cylindrical shape and encased in metal with a glass front window. The single crystal is attached to the window using silicone oil. Magnesium oxide powder is used as a reflector between the crystal and the case. (M.D.)