Algorithms and parameters for improved accuracy in physics data libraries

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent improvements in physics data libraries for particle transport, validating atomic parameters across major Monte Carlo systems and introducing a new data management tool to enhance simulation accuracy.

Contribution

It presents a large-scale validation of atomic parameters and introduces a novel software package for optimized atomic data provision in physics simulations.

Findings

Validated atomic parameters across multiple Monte Carlo systems.

Demonstrated impact of atomic data on radioactive decay simulations.

Developed a new software tool for atomic data management.

Abstract

Recent efforts for the improvement of the accuracy of physics data libraries used in particle transport are summarized. Results are reported about a large scale validation analysis of atomic parameters used by major Monte Carlo systems (Geant4, EGS, MCNP, Penelope etc.); their contribution to the accuracy of simulation observables is documented. The results of this study motivated the development of a new atomic data management software package, which optimizes the provision of state-of-the-art atomic parameters to physics models. The effect of atomic parameters on the simulation of radioactive decay is illustrated. Ideas and methods to deal with physics models applicable to different energy ranges in the production of data libraries, rather than at runtime, are discussed.