The ILC Detector Simulations FAQ
General
What tools are available for ILC Detector Simulations?
Many tools are available for the simulation of ILC detectors and the analysis of results. Somewhat unfortunately, there are three differents toolchains that can be used. These have been developed separately in the US, European, and Asian (Japanese) regions.
We recommend that those getting started use the SLAC and ALCPG system of the SLIC Simulations Package (C++) with the org.lcsim reconstruction and analysis package (Java). This system also uses the JAS3 graphical analysis environment.
There is a C++ framework developed under ECFA that uses Mokka for the simulator with the MARLIN tool for analysis and reconstruction.
Finally, the ACFA group has a http://root.cern.ch-based suite of softare.
Where can I get more information about software?
The LCSim Software Index has links to all the primary tools for ILC Detector Simulations. The Portals Section lists sites that cover full suites of software.
Feedback
Is there an forum for ILC detector simulation issues?
How can I file a bug report if I find bugs or want to request a feature?
SLIC
What is SLIC?
SLIC stands for "Simulator for the Linear Collider". It is a full simulation package that uses the Geant4 Monte Carlo toolkit to simulate the passage of particles through the detector. SLIC outputs LCIO files that can be analysed using a variety of language bindings, including Java, C++, FORTRAN, and Python. SLIC uses a separate backend for the input of detector data called Linear Collider Detector Description (LCDD), which itself is based on the GDML project from CERN.
Who is the primary maintainer of SLIC?
Jeremy McCormick <jeremym@slac.stanford.edu> is the primary author and maintainer of SLIC. The handling of MCParticles in SLIC was based on earlier work by Ron Cassell <cassell@slac.stanford.edu> from a package called Linear Collider Simulator (LCS). Much work has also been done by Ron to verify and debug the LCIO output files.
At which HEP sites and labs is SLIC installed?
Fermilab: Here are instructions for Fermilab users on getting started with SLIC.
SLAC: Here are instructions for SLAC users on running slic from the public Unix machines at the lab. SLIC can be used on any of the load-balanced interactive Linux clusters, including noric, iris, and yakut.