Multiple Compton Scattering

An experimental and theoretical investigation has been made of the $\gamma$-radiation in water produced by a uniform distribution of radioactive cobalt. The intensity and spectral distribution of the radiations are determined essentially by the multiple Compton scattering that takes place in the liquid. An approximate quantitative treatment is presented in which the multiple scattering is considered as a succession of steps which are the same for every emitted $\gamma$-ray. Although the method is quite crude, the numerical results both for the absolute counting rate of a submerged counter and for the effect of shielding around the counter are in close agreement with experiment.