BC-418
Premium Plastic Scintillator

General Description

The premium plastic scintillators described in this data sheet are intended for use in ultra-fast timing and ultra-fast counting applications. BC-418 and BC-422 are recommended for use in small sizes, i.e. when any dimension is less than 4" (100 mm). BC-420 is substantially less expensive than BC-418.

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General Technical Data

Base Polyvinyltoluene
Density 1.032
Refractive Index 1.58
Coefficient of Linear Expansion 7.8 x 10-5, below 67°C
Atomic Ratio, H/C ~1.1
Light Output At +60°C = 95% of that at +20°C; independent of temperature from -60°C to +20°C
Vapor Pressure May be used in a vacuum
Solubility Soluble in aromatic solvents, chlorine, acetone, etc. Insoluble in water, dilute acids, lower alcohols, silicone fluid, grease and alkalis.

Physical Constants

Constant BC-418 BC-420 BC-422
Light Output, % Anthracene 67 64 55
Rise Time, ns 0.5 0.5 0.35
Decay Time, ns 1.4 1.5 1.6
Pulse Width, FWHM, ns 1.2 1.3 1.3
Light Attenuation Length, cm* NA** 140 NA**
Wavelength of Max. Emission, nm 391 391 370
No. of H Atoms per cm3, (x1022) 5.21 5.21 5.19
No. of C Atoms per cm3, (x1022) 4.74 4.74 4.71
Ratio H:C Atoms 1.100 1.100 1.102
No. of Electrons per cm3, (x1023) 3.37 3.37 3.34
Principal uses ultra-fast timimg ultra-fast timimg ultra-fast timimg

* The typical 1/e attenuation length of a 1 x 20 x 200 cm cast sheet with edges polished as measured with a bialkali photomultiplier tube coupled to one end

** Scintillator recommended for use in small sizes; therefore, the 1/e attenuation length values are not applicable

Emission Spectra

BC-418 & BC-420

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Response to Atomic Particles

Range of Atomic Particles in
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