Scintillation

Scintillation refers to the brief flashes of light, often irregular, that are produced when a charged particle, such as an alpha particle or gamma ray, interacts with a material, such as a phosphor or certain types of crystal. It's also used metaphorically to describe a sparkling, lively quality, a brilliance, or a gleam, such as in wit or a person's eyes. The phenomenon is key in detectors for nuclear physics, medical imaging, and astronomy, where the light emitted from the interaction provides crucial information. It’s characterized by the emission of photons, which are then detected by sensors and analyzed to determine the particle's properties or location, and it can also refer to rapid fluctuations in the apparent brightness or position of a celestial object observed through the atmosphere. Lastly, it embodies the ability to evoke excitement or brilliance in general situations.

Scintillation meaning with examples

• The geiger counter detected scintillation as the radioactive sample emitted particles, causing flashes on the screen. Researchers used sophisticated scintillation detectors in their particle physics experiments to accurately track the decay of unstable atomic nuclei. The medical imaging team relied on scintillation to construct detailed images of internal organs, providing doctors with crucial diagnostic information. Space-based telescopes can avoid much atmospheric scintillation which hampers observations of deep space. The scientist watched in awe as the scintillation of the unknown compound lit up the darkened room each time a particle was emitted.
• Her witty comments caused a scintillation of laughter throughout the room. The actress’s eyes held a certain scintillation that captivated the audience. The novel was filled with scintillation, with vibrant descriptions that brought the scenes to life. The band's performance was characterized by scintillation, and energy that moved the entire crowd. A hint of scintillation was noticeable in his voice, and the way he engaged with her was much different.
• The atmospheric scintillation made it difficult for the astronomer to precisely pinpoint the star's location. Due to the constant atmospheric scintillation, the distant galaxy appeared to shimmer and shift. The telescope had to compensate for the atmospheric scintillation to get a stable image of the nebula. Observing the scintillation in the atmosphere required complex algorithms to correct for the distortions. Because the conditions were windy, scintillation distorted the telescope's view.
• The artist employed a technique that captured the scintillation of sunlight on the water's surface. The designer used metallic threads to create a scintillation of light in the fabric. The diamond’s facets produced a mesmerizing scintillation that caught the viewer’s eye. Her paintings perfectly capture the scintillation of the sun. The lighting in the showroom highlighted the scintillation in the displays
• The story’s central plot was the search for a crystal with powerful scintillation properties. They studied the characteristics of scintillation produced by different materials. Understanding scintillation is important for understanding the nature of light. Through studying scintillation scientists can determine particle composition. The development of newer scintillation technology allows scientists to further understanding of particle physics.