Spectrum unfolding in high energy gamma-ray detection with scintillation detectors

An unfolding (deconvolution) method is presented to analyse high-energy gamma-spectra of scintillation detectors. Different approaches for the apparatus response function have been tested, mainly based on the GEANT3 Monte Carlo code (CERN). A new regularisation functional has been suggested for the unfolding procedure, and a new method is suggested to render the problem more regular. The applicability of the method is tested by unfolding experimental spectra taken with a 4 in. × 4 in. cylindrical bismuth-germanate (BGO) detector, which was used to measure the 4.44, 10.67, 12.71 and 15.11 MeV gamma-rays generated in the 12C(p, p′, γ)12C reaction induced by 21 MeV protons. Reaction cross sections are also determined for these gamma-transitions.