Validation of efficiency transfer for Marinelli geometries

In the framework of environmental measurements by gamma-ray spectrometry, some laboratories need to characterize samples in geometries for which a calibration is not directly available. A possibility is to use an efficiency transfer code, e.g., ETNA. However, validation for large volume sources, such as Marinelli geometries, is needed. With this aim in mind, ETNA is compared, initially to a Monte Carlo simulation (PENELOPE) and subsequently to experimental data obtained with a high-purity germanium detector (HPGe). •Validation of ETNA efficiency transfer calculations for simple geometries using the PENELOPE code.•Validation of two Marinelli geometries: comparison of the ETNA software with PENELOPE simulations.•ETNA efficiency transfer calculations and experimental values are compared for a Marinelli geometry.