Investigation of Radiation Emitted by Sub GeV Electrons in Oriented Scintillator Crystals

TL;DR

This study explores how sub-GeV electrons produce enhanced electromagnetic radiation when passing through oriented scintillator crystals, revealing potential for advanced detector technologies in physics and medical imaging.

Contribution

It demonstrates for the first time the enhancement of EM radiation from sub-GeV electrons in oriented BGO and CsI crystals, highlighting new applications for crystal-based detectors.

Findings

Enhanced radiation observed along specific crystal axes

First-time demonstration in BGO and CsI crystals

Potential for ultra-compact, high-sensitivity detectors

Abstract

The research investigates coherent interactions between sub-GeV electrons and oriented scintillator crystals, leading to enhanced electromagnetic (EM) radiation. Experiments at Mainz Mikrotron (MAMI) involved PWO, BGO, and CsI crystals oriented along $\langle100\rangle$, $\langle111\rangle$, and $\langle100\rangle$ axes. Enhanced radiation emission was observed when the beam aligned with crystal axes, especially in BGO and CsI for the first time. These findings are crucial for innovative detectors using oriented crystal scintillators, amplifying EM processes along specific crystallographic directions. Potential applications include ultra-compact, highly sensitive electromagnetic calorimeters for high-energy physics and astroparticles, as well as high-performance gamma detectors for nuclear physics and medical imaging.