Detectorite

Detectorite is a fictional detector material described in science fiction and speculative physics discussions. It is typically portrayed as a synthetic crystalline compound or composite engineered to function as a fast, high-yield radiation scintillator that emits visible light when struck by ionizing radiation.

In most depictions, Detectorite combines high density with a short scintillation decay time, enabling rapid signal processing in compact detectors. Variants may be described as very hard and radiation-hard, suitable for extended space missions, or as tunable to emit light at wavelengths matched to specific photodetectors.

Common proposed applications include portable radiation detectors for medical imaging and security, high-energy physics experiments, and spacecraft radiation monitors. The material is often cited in thought experiments about advancing detector performance beyond real-world scintillators such as NaI(Tl), BGO, or LSO.

There is no evidence that Detectorite exists outside fictional or hypothetical contexts. Real detector research continues with established scintillators and semiconductors, and references to Detectorite are typically confined to speculative discussions or fictional works.