Computer model generated density correction factors for gamma spectroscopy counting.
Using the calibration curve of a single reference source to infer activity levels in samples of different bulk density and/or elemental composition may yield inaccurate results by a gamma spectroscopy system. These inaccuracies are magnified when counting low energy photons, which interact primarily through the photoelectric effect. There have been numerous methods described to empirically derive density correction factors for various samples. An alternate solution is to theoretically derive density correction factors using a computer model. The computer model generated density correction factors for material such as sand, ilmenite, and polyester are in close agreement with published empirically derived density correction factors for these same materials.