If we insert an absorber between the source and the detector, some of the transmitted gamma-rays still travel directly from the source to the detector. As well as these, some gamma-rays which would not otherwise reach the detector may be Compton scattered in the absorber, such that they then reach the detector. This can increase the signal at the detector. This phenomenon is referred to as build-up.

Use the simulation to illustrate the situation where the gamma-ray photons are not collimated. The situation for non-collimated beams is handled by the equation: where: B(t, Eg) is the buildup factor. The absorption of gamma-rays still follows an exponential relationship with the thickness of the absorber, but it is modified by the buildup factor.

As a rough guide, the build up factors for thick slabs tend to be about equal to the thickness of the absorber, measured in units of mean free path of the incident gamma-rays. This is provided the detector responds to a broad range of gamma energies.