= Scintillation counter
{wiki}
A <scintillation counter> detects radiation by collecting <light> from a <scintillator> after a <particle> deposits <energy> in it. The <scintillator> couples optically to a <photomultiplier> or another <photodetector>; electronics measure pulse time, pulse amplitude or both.
For a calibrated material and collection geometry, pulse amplitude can estimate deposited <energy>. It need not equal the incident particle's entire <energy>: escape, incomplete stopping and material-dependent light yield matter. Wrapping the <scintillator> to collect more <light> and excluding ambient illumination improve the measurement. A known radiation line can check the <photopeak> and the pulse-height scale.
Back to article page
