Development of a computer code using the EGS4 Monte Carlo simulation system to evaluate the response of a NaI(Tl) detector to photons with energies below 300 keV

In this paper, the EGS4 Monte Carlo simulation system was used to develop a computer code for a study of the response of a NaI(Tl) detector exposed to γ-rays with energies below 300 keV. This study comprised registration of the spectra of the incident rays and determination of the photo peaks. In addition, the probability of the K X-ray escape from a NaI(Tl) crystal and its dependence on the detector shape and volume were considered. The results of the Monte Carlo simulation are in good agreement with the experimental data (the estimated discrepancy is below 5%). This demonstrates a high efficiency of the used simulation code in quantifying the physical parameters that are difficult to evaluate by experimental methods.