A review of inorganic scintillation crystals for extreme environments

In the past, the main research and use of scintillators in extreme environments were mainly limited to high energy physics and the well-logging industry, but their applications are now expanding to reactor monitoring systems, marine and space exploration, nuclear fusion, radiation therapy, etc. In this article, we review and summarize single-crystal inorganic scintillator candidates that can be applied to radiation detection in extreme environments. Crucial scintillation properties to consider for use in extreme environments are temperature dependence and radiation resistance, along with scintillators’ susceptibility to moisture and mechanical shock. Therefore, we report on performance change, with a focus on radiation resistance and temperature dependence, and the availability of inorganic scintillator for extreme environments—high radiation, temperature, humidity and vibration—according to their applications. In addition, theoretical explanations for temperature dependence and radiation resistance are also provided.