ABSTRACT
Objective To establish a sourceless efficiency calibration method by coupling Monte Carlo simulation with analytical calculation. Methods Monte Carlo simulation was used to calculate the point-to-point detection efficiency of specific detectors to establish a detection efficiency grid. The detection efficiency of point source, disc, cylindrical, beaker, spherical, U-tube and Marlin cup samples was analyzed using numerical integration method after detection efficiency grid interpolation. Results The above coupling method was used for sourceless efficiency calibration. Within the energy range of 0.2–3 MeV, the relative deviation of calibration between coupling method and Monte Carlo simulation was mostly less than 10%, the maximum relative deviation was 18.06%, and the computation time was reduced by at least 86%. The above coupling method was used for sourceless efficiency calibration of an HPGe detector manufactured by ORTEC for point source detection, which was in good agreement with the experimental calibration, and the relative deviations were less than 10%. Conclusion This method can be generalized and used in the sourceless efficiency calibration of HPGe, LaBr3, and NaI detectors.