Scintillation counter
A scintillation counter measures ionizing radiation. The sensor, called a scintillator consists of a transparent crystal, plastic (usu. containing anthracene), or organic liquid (see:Liquid scintillation counting) that fluoresces when struck by ionizing radiation. A sensitive photomultiplier tube measures the light from the crystal. The photomultiplier is attached to an electronic amplifier and other electronic equipment to count and possibly quantify the amplitude of the signals produced by the PMT.Scintillation counters are the most sensitive known radiation detectors.
See also radiation, Geiger counter and dosimeter.