Final answer:
Scintillation detectors consist of a scintillator, photomultiplier tubes, a lead collimator, and computer systems, which work together to detect gamma rays and construct an image used in multiple applications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The four basic components of scintillation detectors are the scintillator, photomultiplier tubes, lead collimator, and computer systems responsible for constructing the image from the detector's output. When gamma rays enter the detector, they produce light flashes in the scintillator material due to the excitation of atoms. These light flashes are very brief but provide critical information regarding the energy, charge, and type of the interacting radiation. The light is then converted into an electrical signal by photomultiplier tubes. A lead collimator is used to direct the gamma rays into the detector array, ensuring that only radiation moving in specific directions is detected, which helps in forming an accurate image. Finally, computer systems interpret these signals to construct a visual image that can be used in various applications, including research and diagnostic procedures.