Using gamma–gamma coincidence measurements to validate Monte Carlo generated detector response functions

Monte Carlo simulation of gamma-ray transport for the purpose of performing elemental analysis of bulk samples requires the tracking of gamma rays in the sample and also in the detector(s) used. Detector response functions (DRF’s) are an efficient and accurate variance reduction technique that greatly decreases the simulation time by substituting the tracking of gamma rays inside the detector by predefined single energy gamma-ray spectra. These spectra correspond to the average response of the detector for incident gamma rays.DRF’s are generated by Monte Carlo methods and are benchmarked with experimental data. In this work, prompt gamma–gamma coincidence measurements are presented as a way to validate DRF’s for high-energy gamma rays.