Betaboltz: A Monte-Carlo simulation tool for gas scattering processes

Abstract

We present an open-source code for the simulation of electron and ion transport for user-defined gas mixtures with static uniform electric and magnetic fields. The program provides microscopic interaction simulation and is interfaced with cross-section tables published by LXCat[1]. The framework was validated against drift velocity tables available in literature obtaining an acceptable match for atomic and non-polar molecular gases with spherical symmetry. The code is written in C++17 and is available as a shared library for easy integration into other simulation applications. Program summaryProgram Title: BetaboltzCPC Library link to program files:https://doi.org/10.17632/hjhx8bj45c.1Licensing provisions: LGPL v3Programming language: C++17Nature of problem: Simulations of electron and ion transport in arbitrary gas mixture under static uniform electric and magnetic fields.Solution method: Particle motion using classical and relativistic equation via interaction sampling using Monte-Carlo techniques.Additional comments including restrictions and unusual features: At the time of writing only static uniform electromagnetic fields are supported. However, the implementation of arbitrary fields can be added given an analytical solution is available. A custom XML format for cross-section was developed, because full compatibility with LXCat [1] XML format was not possible. Cross-section databases in the new format are available in the download section of the LXCat site [2].