What is the primary function of scintillation detectors in radiation detection?

The primary function of scintillation detectors in radiation detection is to use materials that emit light when exposed to radiation. When ionizing radiation interacts with the scintillation material, it excites the atoms in the material, which then return to their ground state by emitting photons of light. This light can be detected and measured, allowing for the quantification of the radiation present.

The ability to convert radiation into visible light is crucial, as it makes scintillation detectors effective for various applications in radiation monitoring and spectroscopy. This property is what distinguishes scintillation detectors from other types of radiation detectors, providing a reliable means of detection through the light emitted. The light produced is then typically amplified and counted, providing precise measurements of radiation intensity.

In contrast, the other options do not correctly represent the mechanism or the function of scintillation detectors. For example, while sound detection and filtering of non-ionizing radiation are techniques that exist in other detection systems, they do not align with the fundamental operation of scintillation detectors.