An alternative gamma tracking method using the Compton scattering probability

Abstract.

A new gamma tracking method, called probabilistic method and based on the Compton scattering probability of photons in a highly segmented Ge spectrometer, has been evaluated with the GEANT simulation code. This method has been used to calculate the performances of a 4$\pi$ array composed of planar detectors as their crystal shape allows to realize identical segments of quasi-cubic shape. The tracking algorithm selects the full-absorption events by taking into account only the centre of gravity of the segments hit and the partial energies released in each of them. The results obtained, in terms of photopeak detection efficiency and peak-to-total ratio, are comparable to the ones deduced from the usual tracking methods. The probabilistic algorithm seems also to apply efficiently for other types of detectors as simulation calculations performed on a single stack of planar detector and a single segmented CLOVER detector give nearly the same reconstruction efficiency.