Calculating nonproportionality of scintillator photon response using measured electron response data

The photon responses of NaI(Tl), CaF/sub 2/(Eu), and LSO(Ce) have been calculated using electron response data measured with the Compton coincidence technique. Calculated results are shown to be in good agreement with both measured photon response data and previously published photon responses for these various scintillators. By establishing the ability to accurately calculate scintillator photon response, scintillator light yield nonproportionality and geometry effects can be studied without the requirement for experimental measurements. Furthermore, photon responses near the electron shell energies can be characterized with more detail than is possible with experimental methods that rely on the use of multiple gamma-ray and X-ray sources. The dependence of photon response on crystal size and shape is also discussed.