scintillation counter

A scintillation counter is a device used to detect and measure radiation, such as gamma rays or particles, by converting their energy into visible flashes of light. When radiation interacts with a special crystal inside the counter, it creates tiny flashes called scintillations. These flashes are then detected by a light-sensitive component called a photomultiplier tube, which converts them into electrical signals. The system counts these signals to measure the amount of radiation present, making scintillation counters useful in medical imaging, radiation therapy, environmental monitoring, and nuclear physics research.