Problem 1671 - Compton scattering is not computed isotropic in azimuthal angle
Summary: Compton scattering is not computed isotropic in azimuthal angle
Status: RESOLVED INVALID
Alias: None
Product: Geant4
Classification: Unclassified
Component: processes/electromagnetic (show other problems)
Version: 10.0
Hardware: All All
: P5 major
Assignee: Vladimir.Ivantchenko
URL:
Depends on:
Blocks:
 
Reported: 2014-09-02 16:51 CEST by martin.stieben
Modified: 2014-09-15 10:25 CEST (History)
0 users

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Attachments
azimuthal angle distribution with strange modulation (13.92 KB, application/x-download)
2014-09-02 16:52 CEST, martin.stieben
Details

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Description martin.stieben 2014-09-02 16:51:19 CEST
I've encountered a strange behavior of the G4ComptonScattering implementation. 
For all specific Compton models (Livermore, Penelope, polarized Livermore) there is some kind of modulation in the probability of scattering in azimuthal angle. 

I've simulated some non-polarized 150 keV photons propagating in (0,0,1) direction that are scattering in some water and plotted the azimuthal angle distribution of scattered photons (please have a look at the attached file).
The only physics process activated was Compton scattering.  
You can see there is a modulation in the event counts with a repetition period of about 72 degrees.
However, I expected the distribution to be completely flat, since non-polarized Compton scattering must be independent (hence isotropic) of the azimuthal angle.

Is this a physics bug or am I missing something here?

Martin
Comment 1 martin.stieben 2014-09-02 16:52:33 CEST
Created attachment 281 [details]
azimuthal angle distribution with strange modulation
Comment 2 martin.stieben 2014-09-15 10:25:13 CEST
Finally I found out that the reason of this strange behavior was not a bug in the G4ComptonScattering implementation but in the user code.
It appeared due to a non-obvious but wrong conversion between degree and rad which was unfortunately hidden quite well.

Martin