Compton Edge Convolutional Model and Algorithm for Energy-channel Calibration

TL;DR

This paper introduces a convolution model for calibrating the Compton edge in scintillation detectors, achieving high accuracy without relying solely on full-energy peaks, thus improving calibration methods for various detector types.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel convolution model and algorithm that accurately calibrates the Compton edge in scintillation detectors, especially when full-energy peaks are not prominent.

Findings

Calibration errors within 1% compared to full-energy peak calibration

Effective for plastic scintillators, NaI, and LaBr3 detectors

Applicable using radioactive sources like ${}^{137}$Cs

Abstract

Scintillation detectors are essential tools for radiation measurement, but calibrating them accurately can be challenging, especially when full-energy peaks are not prominent. This is common in detectors like plastic scintillators. Current methods for calibrating these detectors often require manual adjustments. To address this, we propose a new method called the convolution model. This model accurately calibrates the energy-channel relationship of the Compton edge in various detectors. We tested it with plastic scintillator BC408, NaI crystal, and LaBr$_3$ crystal. Using ${}^{137}$Cs radioactive sources, we calibrated NaI and LaBr$_3$ detectors using full-energy peaks, then applied the convolution model to fit the Compton edge. Our results show errors within 1\% when compared to full-energy peak calibration.