Geometrical factor influence on Compton profile measurement for biological samples

Abstract

The Compton profile is a correction of the Klein–Nishina cross-section for the motion of the electrons. This correction modifies the shape of the Compton peak in the spectrum of the scattered photons and it depends on the atomic wave functions of the electrons inside the sample. Thus, the Compton profile can be used as a probe for the electronic structure of atoms or molecules. However, the shape of the Compton peak is also influenced from the geometrical factors or apertures of collimators used in the experimental setup. Since the energy of the Compton scattered photons depends on the scattering angle, in principle, the best choice is to collimate the detector as much as possible, but, as a drawback, this means also a drastic reduction of the photon flux at the detector. This paper deals with a study of the influence of the geometrical factor on the discrimination of different biological elements. The results can be extended to other materials. Some results from reference biological samples are reported and discussed.