Precision crystal calorimeters in high-energy physics: past, present, and future

Precision crystal calorimeter traditionally plays an important role in experimental high energy physics. In the last two decades, it faces a challenge to maintain its precision in a hostile radiation environment. This paper reviews the performance of crystal calorimeters constructed for high energy physics experiment and the progress achieved in understanding crystal's radiation damage and in developing high quality scintillating crystals. Future crystal calorimeters, such as a LSO and LYSO calorimeter and homogeneous hadronic calorimeter, being considered for experimental particle physics is also discussed.