Long BGO (Bismuth Germanate) and BSO (Bismuth Silicate) crystals coupled with silicon photodiodes have been used to detect minimum-ionizing particles(MIP). With a low noise amplifier customized for this purpose, the crystals can detect MIPs with an excellent signal-to-noise ratio. The NCE(Nuclear Counter Effect} is also clearly observed and measured. Effect of full and partial wrapping of a reflector around the crystal on light collection is also studied.
@article{arxiv.physics/9704013,
title = {Detection of Minimum-Ionizing Particles and Nuclear Counter Effect with Pure BGO and BSO Crystals with Photodiode Read-out},
author = {K. Ueno and S. K. Sahu and K. C. Peng and W. S. Hou and C. H. Wang},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:physics/9704013},
year = {2009}
}