LIGHTAWE—case studies of LIGHT spreAd in poWder materials: a montE carlo simulation tool for research and educational purposes

Abstract

In this paper, the LIGHTAWE Monte Carlo simulation tool is introduced and presented. LIGHTAWE has been developed to provide case studies of light spread in powder materials for both research and educational purposes. The algorithms of LIGHTAWE are based on Mie scattering theory and Henyey–Greenstein distribution. LIGHTAWE simulates the light ray interactions and encounters the overall optical diffusion, transmission and reflection (amount and distribution) of granular structured layers. Two main options are included: (a) fixed light point sources within the layer (concerning optical diffusion for any structure of spherical particles embedded within a surrounding medium) and (b) light distribution of 62 specific powder phosphor materials under X-ray penetration. The above options make LIGHTAWE an available and useful tool for a variety of scientific fields and applications. The capability to alter a set of parameters and perform a countless number of probable and comparable simulations, can insight and further enlighten the research of light spread performance. Based on the Monte Carlo methodology, LIGHTAWE can overcome cumbersome analytical modelling, and can take advantage of computer science to perform experiments that would be otherwise impossible (i.e., the capability to design, evaluate and optimize “virtual” experimental set-ups of “zero cost” or with “low risk” actions) enhancing curiosity-driven future research. The manuscript demonstrates the physics, the treatment and the capabilities of LIGHTAWE as well as the corresponding advantages, disadvantages, benefits and limitations. Finally, a simulation example is presented in the Appendix section.