Precision crystal calorimetry in high energy physics

Abstract Crystal Calorimetry is widely used in high energy physics because of its precision. Recent development in crystal technology identified two key issues to reach and maintain crystal precision: light response uniformity and calibration in situ . The effect and mechanism of radiation damage in scintillation crystals are discussed in details. While the damage in alkali halides is found to be caused by the oxygen/hydroxyl contamination, it is the structure defects, such as oxygen vacancies, cause damage in oxides.