What is a common feature of scintillation detectors?

Scintillation detectors are well-known for their use of scintillation crystals to detect radiation. When these crystals are exposed to ionizing radiation, they emit flashes of light, known as scintillations. The primary mechanism involves the interaction of incoming radiation with the scintillation material, which converts the energy from the radiation into visible light. This light is then detected by a photomultiplier tube or a similar device, which amplifies the signal and allows for measurement of the radiation's intensity.

This capability highlights the versatility and effectiveness of scintillation detectors in a wide range of applications, including medical imaging, nuclear security, and environmental monitoring, where precise and sensitive radiation detection is required. The choice of scintillation material influences the efficiency and sensitivity of the detector to different types of radiation, further underscoring their importance in the field of radiation detection.