Photo peak efficiency correction based on the sample self attenuation factors

S tudy carried to evaluate the photo peak detection efficiency correction factor due to self-attenuation of the gamma rays in environmental samples of matrixes having varying elemental composition and density. XCOM software was used for evaluating the energy dependent gamma mass attenuation coefficient for studied matrix composition. Based on these the photon transmission parameters were evaluated and used for correcting the estimated reference grade photo peak efficiencies in the similar standard geometry for the desired energy range. The values were validated using the experimental photo peak efficiencies measured using the IAEA certified reference material in these matrices and a good correlation was observed.