Which of the following is a key distinction between scintillation detectors and semiconductor detectors?

The key distinction highlighted in the correct choice is that semiconductor detectors do not produce visible light when they detect radiation. Instead of creating visible light, semiconductor detectors operate by utilizing electrical impulses generated when charged particles interact with the semiconductor material. This characteristic is fundamental to their operating principle.

In contrast, scintillation detectors function by using scintillating materials that emit visible light in response to ionizing radiation. The light produced can then be detected and measured using photomultiplier tubes or photodiodes. This difference in how each type of detector responds to radiation is a primary factor influencing their design, application, and performance in various environments.

The other options do not accurately represent this key distinction. For instance, while portability may vary between specific models of each type of detector, it is not a universal truth that scintillation detectors are more portable. Similarly, accuracy can depend on various factors including calibration and application, rather than being an inherent property of scintillation versus semiconductor technology. Lastly, the cost of these detectors can vary widely based on design, materials, and technological advancements, making it inaccurate to generalize that semiconductor detectors are always less expensive.