Special Universe Talk: FLUKA - Particle Physics Monte Carlo Program

by Anton Empl (University of Houston, USA)

Friday 27 Jul 2018, 10:00 → 11:00 Europe/Berlin

seminar room, basement (Universe Cluster, Boltzmannstr. 2, Garching)

Abstract: Monte Carlo techniques, or simulations, originated from early particle physics in context of neutron experiments at Los Alamos. Because of the constant increase in computing power and system complexity, the Monte Carlo approach can be applied to all aspects of research and society today, including weather and stock market predictions, as well as revolutions ("Supercomputer predicts revolution", BBC Sep. 2011).

In experimental particle and nuclear physics, simulation is required starting from the design of experiments all the way to the interpretation of results.

FLUKA, which stands for "Fluktuierende Kaskade", is a fully integrated simulation package which addresses a wide range of problems: high energy experimental physics and engineering, shielding, detector and telescope design, cosmic ray studies, dosimetry, medical physics and radio-biology. FLUKA was started in the early 1960s and is currently developed under joint support from CERN and INFN. It is available free of charge to the academic community. 
After an introduction to the features of FLUKA and its underlying physics approach, current results for two example FLUKA applications will be outlined:

MINIDEX: The measurement of muon-induced neutron production in lead at shallow depth to address modeling of cosmogenic backgrounds to rare physics experiments.

Medipix/Timepix: A sophisticated pixellated silicon detector currently installed at the ISS and to be used by NASA for space radiation dosimetry. These detectors are also used for measurments in hadron therapy beams. 

Toni is a Cluster guest. Local host: Bela Majorovits (MPP)