Geant4 Collaboration
and Monte Carlo Simulations

Geant4 Collaboration Member and Monte Carlo Simulations

Monte Carlo simulations are a key component in particle physics, allowing researchers to statistically model the behavior of particles as they traverse different materials. Within the context of Geant4, these simulations enable the detailed tracking of particles through matter, accounting for various interactions that occur. This level of detail is crucial for accurately predicting experimental outcomes and for designing new experiments.

Our research group boast of two Geant4 Collaboration Members : Gianfranco Paternò and Alexei Sytov

Research and Development of Coherent Interaction Models

At the heart of this effort,  the researchers of our group are continuously developing and extending models to better simulate the coherent interactions of charged particles and photons in both crystalline and amorphous materials. Coherent interactions refer to processes where the incident particle or photon interacts with the material in a phase-coordinated manner, leading to unique effects that are not observed in incoherent scattering scenarios. 

The implementation of coherent effects in crystals and the related radiation emission processes in Geant4 is based on the so called FastSim interface, which is a PhysicsList independent model and is activated only in a certain G4Region, at a certain condition and for certain particles. In particular, the new G4ChannelingFastSimModel, G4BaierKatkov, G4CoherentPairProduction classes have been developed. The algorithms implemented are based on previous codes developed by out team, namely CRYSTALRAD and RADCHARM++.

This work is foundational for developing novel applications based on the coherent effects in oriented crystals, such as novel gamma-ray sources like crystalline undulators, which are explored in various high-impact projects. Additionally, these models are essential for designing compact calorimeters that utilize scintillator crystals, enhancing our ability to detect and measure high-energy particles. A further application is a crystal-based positron source for future lepton colliders, which is a key component of these projects, since it limits the achievable luminosity due to the therm-mechanical stresses bearable by the target.