What is the purpose of a scintillation detector in nuclear medicine?

The purpose of a scintillation detector in nuclear medicine is to capture and convert gamma rays emitted by radiopharmaceuticals into light for imaging. When a radiopharmaceutical is administered to a patient, it emits gamma rays as it decays. The scintillation detector consists of a scintillating crystal that absorbs these gamma rays and then re-emits the energy in the form of visible light photons. This light is then detected by photomultiplier tubes or similar devices which convert it into an electrical signal. This signal is processed to create images or quantitative data that can help in diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions.

This option specifically addresses the role of scintillation detectors in the context of nuclear medicine, distinguishing them from other imaging modalities and applications. For instance, enhancing ultrasound image resolution pertains to ultrasound technology, while measuring radioactivity in tissues and filtering X-ray beams are functions related to different types of detectors and imaging systems.