Optimization and validation of a LaBr3(Ce) detector model for use in Monte Carlo simulations

Highlights: • Detector model optimized using experimental full energy peak efficiencies (FEPE). • Optimized detector model was validated using sources of different geometries. • Two different Monte Carlo codes (MCNP and PENELOPE) were used. • The model performed well for an in situ measurement scenario. A reliable detector model is needed for Monte Carlo efficiency calibration. A LaBr₃(Ce) detector model was optimized and verified using different radioactive sources (²⁴¹Am, ¹³³Ba, ¹³⁷Cs, ⁶⁰Co and ¹⁵²Eu) and geometries (point, extended and surface). PENELOPE and MCNP were used for Monte Carlo simulations. A good agreement was observed between simulated and experimental full energy peak efficiencies (FEPE) as their mean relative difference was 2.84% ± 1.93% and 2.79% ± 1.99% for PENELOPE and MCNP simulation, respectively. The differences between simulated FEPEs of two Monte Carlo codes were negligible except for low energies (< 100 keV).