ScienceAugust 27, 2026
scintillator
SIN-tuh-lay-ter
Definition
A material that absorbs high-energy radiation, such as X-rays, and emits flashes of visible or ultraviolet light in response.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'scintillare,' meaning to sparkle or flash, the term entered English in the mid-20th century to describe devices or materials that produce light through radiation.
In the news
In the article, researchers are manipulating materials at the nanoscale to create advanced scintillators, which are essential for improving the resolution and sensitivity of medical X-ray imaging technology.
MIT awarded $18M for new materials science research hub aimed at advancing X-ray imaging
Read the full article ↗Medical Design & Outsourcing