BALQARAD Geant4 Model: Enhancement in γ-ray Spectroscopy and Validation

Abstract: Advances in gamma-ray spectroscopy allow for excellent background suppression and increased efficiency using composite Clover detectors with combinations of active shields. The events from such combinations, registered in list mode and analyzed offline, promote significant sensitivity improvements for gamma detection. This study utilizes the modularity of such composite of high-purity germanium radiation detectors to investigate their applicability in different possible fields. A comprehensive survey is conducted on the appropriate radioactive isotope serving each application. According to its decay scheme, investigation on the proper modes of operation for each isotope is carried out by Monte Carlo simulation applied to the Clover detector geometry. Addback factor measurements were performed using the newly acquired BALQARAD Clover. In an offline analysis through self-developed software, the Clover direct and addback performances are deduced versus gamma-ray energy. Measurement results obtained using the Clover detectors agree reasonably well with those obtained by Monte Carlo simulation. Keywords: Geant4, HPGe, Clover-type detector, Detector modeling and simulation, Modes of operation, Addback factor.