What characteristic is associated with a crystal scintillation counter?

A crystal scintillation counter is specifically designed to detect and measure ionizing radiation by using a scintillator material that emits light in response to radiation exposure. The correct association is that a crystal scintillation counter can effectively detect gamma radiation and is also capable of detecting other types of radiation, depending on its design and the scintillator used.

The sensitivity of these counters allows them to be used in a variety of applications, including environmental monitoring and medical imaging, where detecting low radiation levels is crucial. This characteristic underscores their capacity beyond just gamma detection; many scintillation counters can detect alpha and beta particles as well, depending on the energy levels involved and the setup of the counter.

Thus, the notion that scintillation counters are limited to gamma radiation detection overlooks their versatility and functionality with other radiation types, highlighting why that statement is not the best characterization of a crystal scintillation counter. This understanding emphasizes the importance of recognizing the broader applications and sensitivity associated with these instruments in clinical and laboratory settings.