A Prescription For The Removal Of Compton-Scattered Gamma-Rays From Gamma-Ray Spectra

A method for the interpolation between and extrapolation from measured detector response functions is described. This technique enables the removal of the Compton-scattered background (i.e. “stripping” or “unfolding”) of γ-ray spectra quickly, easily and accurately. Examples are presented, for both source and in-beam spectra, taken with Ge detectors. Some potential pitfalls in the accurate unfolding of spectra are discussed, and approximate remedies suggested.