Response functions for bismuth germanate detectors

Abstract

A method of calculating the line shape and absolute efficiency of a 7.6 cm by 7.6 cm bismuth germanate scintillator for incident γ-rays between 6 and 40 MeV has been developed. The computer code “CYLTRAN” was used to calculate the energy deposited in the crystal, and the output of the code was smeared with an empirically determined resolution.function. The results of these calculations are compared to pulse height spectra measured using monoenergetic photons. This technique should be applicable to a wide range of experimental geometries and scintillator types.