1. n. [Formation Evaluation]

A gamma ray interaction in which the gamma ray collides with an electron, transferring part of its energy to the electron, while itself being scattered at a reduced energy. Compton scattering occurs with high probability at intermediate gamma ray energies, between 75 keV and 10 MeV in sedimentary formations. When a beam of gamma rays traverses a material, the total reduction due to Compton scattering depends on the electron density of the material the higher the density, the larger the reduction. This is the basis for the density log. Compton scattering is also an important mechanism in gamma ray detectors.

See related terms: cross section,  density measurement,  photoelectric effect,  scintillation detector