Experimentally measured scatter fractions and energy spectra as a test of Monte Carlo simulations.

A method for the validation of Monte Carlo photon transport calculations is presented, with particular emphasis on the scatter component of such calculations. The method is based on a quantitative comparison of calculated and experimental scatter fractions. In addition, the method includes a qualitative comparison of point spread functions and energy spectra. An application of the method is demonstrated by comparing the results of an existing Monte Carlo code with experimental results obtained with a gamma camera viewing a point source of 99Tcm (140 keV gamma rays) centred within a water-filled cylinder. The results of the comparisons show good agreement between experiment and calculation. These results allow the code to be used with increased confidence in a variety of situations, and they define more precisely the region of applicability of the code. In addition, the determination of scatter fractions and energy spectra is useful for other applications. For example, scatter fractions can be a useful parameter for evaluating possible techniques for scatter compensation.