What major difference distinguishes scintillation detectors from semiconductor detectors?

Scintillation detectors and semiconductor detectors differ primarily in the way they convert incoming radiation into a measurable signal. Scintillation detectors operate by using materials that emit visible light (or scintillation light) when they are excited by ionizing radiation. This light is then collected and converted into an electrical signal by a photomultiplier tube or other light-sensitive device.

On the other hand, semiconductor detectors, which use materials like silicon or germanium, do not produce visible light when they interact with radiation. Instead, they generate electronic charge carriers (electrons and holes) directly in the semiconductor material. These charge carriers create a measurable current when they are collected, providing a direct measurement of the incident radiation without the intermediate step of light production.

This characteristic highlights a fundamental operational difference between the two types of detectors, influencing their design, application, and sensitivity to different energy ranges of radiation. Scintillation detectors are often chosen for applications requiring high sensitivity and energy resolution in the visible range, while semiconductor detectors excel in applications requiring precise energy measurements of x-rays or gamma rays in the higher energy range.