A γ Compton experiment with an annular ²⁴¹Am source: momentum resolution and reliability measurements

A γ Compton experiment with an annular ²⁴¹Am γ-source is described. The distribution of the primary intensity in the plane of the sample as well as the scattering angle distribution are evaluated by a Monte Carlo calculation to determine (together with the energy resolution) the total momentum resolution of the experiment. In order to probe the reliability of the experimental arrangement and of the data processing, experimental Compton profiles of water from samples of different thicknesses are compared with the results of an IUCr project.