A scintillation counter measures ionizing radiation. The sensor in a scintillation counter is called a scintillator and is usually made of either a specially doped crystal, Anthracene containing plastics or an organic liquid which fluoresces when struck by ionizing radiation. A sensitive photocell or photomultiplier tube measures the light from the crystal. The photocell is usually attached to an electronic amplifier and possibly other electronic equipment.
Scintillation counters are the most sensitive known radiation detectors.
See also radiation, Geiger counter, dosimeter and particle detectors.