Intercrystal Optical Crosstalk in Radiation Detectors: Monte Carlo Modeling and Experimental Validation

High-performance radiation detectors often employ crystal arrays where light can leak between them, a phenomenon called intercrystal crosstalk, which demands mitigation for optimal detector performance. The complexity of measuring optical crosstalk in conventional detector geometries makes optical Monte Carlo simulation essential to study and reduce crosstalk through better designs. Addressing the absence of validated transmission models in Monte Carlo toolkits, we developed and integrated a new simulation model into the look-up table Davis Model, aiming at simulating optical photon refraction at the crystal interfaces using GATE. For the first time, we validated the intercrystal optical crosstalk model with experiments in two optically coupled Lutetium-yttrium oxyorthosilicate crystals read by two SiPMs, testing three thicknesses and four interfaces (air, glue, Teflon, and ESR). Simulated and experimental crosstalk agreed within one FWHM for all configurations. These results show the possibility of predicting optical photon transmission in detector designs with multiple crystal elements. Indeed, although validated using only two crystals, the model can be used in more complex geometries. The model, available to GATE users upon request, provides a valuable resource for researchers when optimizing detector geometry where optical crosstalk needs to be considered, i.e., ensuring optical isolation between the photodetector’s responses.