How to use the compton edge energy calculator
Find the maximum energy an electron can gain when a gamma ray scatters from it, as seen in gamma spectra. Enter gamma photon energy, electron rest energy in the fields above; the maximum compton electron energy, minimum scattered photon energy are computed instantly and plotted on the chart so you can see how the answer changes.
Common searches this calculator answers include “Compton edge”, “gamma spectrum Compton edge”, “Compton electron maximum energy”, “calculate compton edge energy”, “find maximum compton electron energy”.
Formula
Variables
- Eg — Gamma photon energy (keV)
- mc2 — Electron rest energy (keV)
Worked example
With gamma photon energy = 662 keV, electron rest energy = 511 keV, the calculator gives maximum compton electron energy ≈ 477.6501 keV; minimum scattered photon energy ≈ 184.3499 keV.
Frequently asked questions
What is the compton edge energy calculator used for?
Find the maximum energy an electron can gain when a gamma ray scatters from it, as seen in gamma spectra. It helps with questions such as “Compton edge”, “gamma spectrum Compton edge”, “Compton electron maximum energy”.
What is the formula for the compton edge energy calculation?
Maximum Compton electron energy (keV) = Eg × (2 × Eg / mc2) / (1+2 × Eg / mc2). Minimum scattered photon energy (keV) = Eg-[Maximum Compton electron energy]. Here Eg is gamma photon energy (keV), mc2 is electron rest energy (keV).
What inputs do I need for the compton edge energy calculator?
You need gamma photon energy in keV, electron rest energy in keV. Each field is pre-filled with a typical example so you can see how the result responds as you edit the numbers.
How do I use the compton edge energy calculator?
Type values into the input fields. Results and the chart update instantly. Use Reset to restore the example values, Copy results to paste them elsewhere, or Share to copy a link that preserves your inputs.
Is the compton edge energy result exact?
Calculations use standard formulas and double-precision arithmetic, then display about seven significant figures. Real-world measurements carry uncertainty, so treat results as estimates unless your inputs are exact.