Speaker
Mr
Piotr Golonka
(INP Cracow, CERN)
Description
Solving the 'simulation=experiment' equation, which is the ultimate task of every HEP
experiment, becomes impossible without computer simulation techniques. HEP Monte
Carlo simulations, traditionally written as FORTRAN codes, became complex
computational projects: their rich physical content needs to be matched with the
software organization of the experimental collaborations to make them a part of large
software chains. The experimental collaboration software intrinsically use the
component approach: the simulation of physical events and detector responses is
typically performed in steps, by a set of dedicated software packages (such as
PYTHIA, GEANT), which may be recognized as high-level "components", interacting with
each other by means of common data structure: the event record. The component
approach to computer simulations is a widely discussed topic, yet not in the branch
of HEP MC simulations. In this paper we try to describe the general view and
approach, and the problems encountered in this area nowadays: we stress the
importance of validation and testing methodology. PHOTOS Monte Carlo is used as an
example of a compact package used worldwide; MC-TESTER-based method was developed for
its tests and validation. PHOTOS may also serve as an example of a dialog between
theoretical and experimental physicists. The involvement of the software-development
experts in this dialog, in the spirit of common understanding, would certainly be
beneficial to establish viable architectures for future HEP MC simulations, and still
be flexible for rearrangements motivated by future (unknown at present) physics
requirements.
Primary author
Mr
Piotr Golonka
(INP Cracow, CERN)
Co-author
Prof.
Zbigniew Was
(INP Cracow)
