CEDAR: tools for event generator tuning

TL;DR

This paper discusses the development of tools by the CEDAR collaboration for tuning and validating Monte Carlo event generators, including database integration, software upgrades, and new tuning systems.

Contribution

Introduction of new tools and systems for interfacing experimental data with event generator validation and tuning, including database migration, software upgrades, and a new tuning framework.

Findings

Successful migration of HepData to a relational database

Upgrade of validation tools from HZTool to Rivet

Implementation of Rivet in a new generator tuning system

Abstract

I describe the work of the CEDAR collaboration in developing tools for tuning and validating Monte Carlo event generator programs. The core CEDAR task is to interface the Durham HepData database of experimental measurements to event generator validation tools such as the UCL JetWeb system - this has necessitated the migration of HepData to a new relational database system and a Java-based interaction model. The "number crunching" part of JetWeb is also being upgraded, from the Fortran HZTool library to the new C++ Rivet system and a generator interfacing layer named RivetGun. Finally, I describe how Rivet is already being used as a central part of a new generator tuning system, and summarise two other CEDAR activities, HepML and HepForge.