  Geant4-based simulations of the energy deposited by electrons in various
materials are quantitatively compared to high precision calorimetric
measurements taken at Sandia Laboratories. The experimental data concern
electron beams of energy between a few tens of keV and 1 MeV at various
incidence angles. Two experimental scenarios are evaluated: the longitudinal
energy deposition pattern in a finely segmented detector, and the total energy
deposited in a larger size calorimeter. The simulations are produced with
Geant4 versions from 9.1 to 9.6; they involve models of electron-photon
interactions in the standard and low energy electromagnetic packages, and
various implementations of electron multiple scattering. Significant
differences in compatibility with experimental data are observed in the
longitudinal energy deposition patterns produced by the examined Geant4
versions, while the total deposited energy exhibits smaller variations across
the various Geant4 versions, with the exception Geant4 9.4. The validation
analysis, based on statistical methods, shows that the best compatibility
between simulation and experimental energy deposition profiles is achieved
using electromagnetic models based on the EEDL and EPDL evaluated data
libraries with Geant4 9.1. The results document the accuracy achievable in the
simulation of the energy deposited by low energy electrons with Geant4; they
provide guidance for application in similar experimental scenarios and for
improving Geant4.
