Characterization of a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector through Monte Carlo simulation and nonlinear least squares estimation

In this paper, we describe a method for determining the full-energy peak efficiency of a high-purity germanium detector using Monte Carlo MCNP simulation with the detector model refined through nonlinear least-squares optimization using experimental measurements. The approach allows for an accurate determination of efficiency curves in the absence of an accurate characterization of the detector by the manufacturer, usually a prerequisite for reliable Monte Carlo simulations.