Validation of PENELOPE Monte Carlo Simulation for HPGe Detector Efficiency Applied to Environmental Samples
Discuss this preprint
Start a discussion What are Sciety discussions?Listed in
This article is not in any list yet, why not save it to one of your lists.Abstract
Accurate efficiency determination of high-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors is essential for reliable environmental radioactivity measurements. In this study, detector efficiency was evaluated using certified reference materials (CRMs) and validated through detailed Monte Carlo simulations with the PENELOPE code. The detector geometry, including crystal dimensions and dead-layer structure, was reconstructed based on manufacturer specifications and CT imaging. Full-energy peak efficiencies were determined experimentally and compared with simulated results over a wide energy range. Good agreement between measured and simulated efficiencies was observed, confirming the reliability of the modeling approach. The validated efficiency calibration was successfully applied to various environmental samples, demonstrating the applicability of the proposed method to environmental radionuclide analysis
