SAFC Hitech(TM) Expands Electronic Materials Portfolio With the Introduction of Scintillation Crystal Grow...( New Materials Target Medical an...)

New Materials Target Medical and Security Detection Applications

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SAFC Hitech(TM), a focus area within SAFC(R), a member of the Sigma-Aldrich Group (Nasdaq: SIAL), today announced that it has expanded the scope of its electronic materials offering with the launch of a comprehensive line of high-purity halides (http://www.safchitech.com/halides). These new raw materials enable the growth of scintillation detector crystals, used extensively in energy detection devices across a range of security, medical, and astrophysical applications, and will enable improved performance in the detection of X-rays, gamma rays and radioactive particles for homeland security devices, X-ray and emission tomography, and particle detection in high-energy physics and astronomy.

While the use of scintillation crystals in energy detection applications is not a new development, the technological and performance demands placed on detectors have evolved. There is a growing requirement to replace or supplement the traditional doped alkali halide materials used in crystal growth with newer, advanced materials to meet these changing conditions. SAFC Hitech's portfolio includes several rare earth and alkali earth halides specifically designed to tackle these challenges and offer improved performance characteristics for future generations of detection devices.

"As a premier supplier of high-purity halide raw materials for scintillation crystal growth, we have developed a comprehensive portfolio of products and services to support the commercial development and manufacturing of halide detector crystals," stated Sean Dingman, Market Segment Manage
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