A method for calculation of true coincidence summing correction factors for extended sources

In gamma-ray spectrometry, true coincidence summing correction factors for an extended sample can be calculated from full-energy-peak and total efficiencies as if the sample were a point source, if the so-called linear-to-square- (LS) curve, introduced by Blaauw and Gelsema, is known and properly applied. A method is described for obtaining the efficiencies and the corresponding LS-curve for an arbitrary cylindrical sample from calibration measurements in a reference geometry. The approach is aimed at the analysis of samples measured on p-type HPGe detectors in environmental gamma-ray spectrometry and was successfully verified against experimental data.