Which type of scintillator is used in the detector system for the pencil beam scanner?

• A. Nal scintillator
• B. Csi scintillator
• C. Ge scintillator
• D. CdTe scintillator

Answer: (A)

The correct choice, Nal scintillator, is commonly utilized in the detector system for the pencil beam scanner due to its favorable properties for detecting radiation in bone densitometry applications. Sodium iodide (NaI) scintillators demonstrate a high luminous efficiency and excellent energy resolution, which are crucial characteristics for accurately measuring bone mineral density. This efficiency allows for the effective conversion of incoming gamma photons into visible light, which can then be detected and processed.

Moreover, NaI scintillators are widely recognized for their good performance in terms of sensitivity and their ability to operate in the energy range relevant to the detection of X-rays and gamma rays, making them particularly suited for applications in medical imaging and densitometry. Their robustness and availability further enhance their preference in clinical settings when it comes to utilizing pencil beam scanning technology.