The light yield of a plastic scintillator refers to the amount of light produced when the scintillator absorbs ionizing radiation, such as gamma rays, X-rays, or charged particles. This light output is an important property of scintillators, as it determines their sensitivity and efficiency in detecting radiation.
The light yield of a plastic scintillator depends on several factors, including the scintillator’s composition, the energy and type of radiation absorbed, and the efficiency of the scintillation process. Typically, the light yield is measured in terms of the number of photons produced per unit of energy deposited in the scintillator (e.g., photons/MeV).
Plastic scintillators are known for their relatively high light yield compared to other types of scintillators, such as inorganic crystals. However, the light yield can vary depending on the specific formulation of the plastic scintillator, making it important to choose the right scintillator for the desired application based on its light yield characteristics.