EFFICIENCY OF ELECTRON-HOLE PAIR PRODUCTION IN SCINTILLATORS

Phenomenological models for electron-hole pair production in scintilla tors are reviewed. All models provide similar results when compared on the basis of consistent definitions. The assumption of constant loss parameter K is untenable. The loss parameter K(E) was calculated from first principles by employing a dielectric response function derived f rom the Callaway model. The rapid variation of K(E) suggests replaceme nt of K by an effective threshold displacement, Delta E, which is appr eciable for semiconductors but negligible for insulators. The predicti on of high conversion efficiency, beta congruent to 1.0, implies low t ransfer efficiency, S < 1, in most insulators.