Abstract
MCViNE is an open source, object-oriented Monte Carlo neutron ray-tracing simulation software package. Its design allows for flexible, hierarchical representations of sophisticated instrument components such as detector systems, and samples with a variety of shapes and scattering kernels. Recently this flexible design has enabled several applications of MCViNE simulations at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Lab, including assisting design of neutron instruments at the second target station and design of novel sample environments, as well as studying effects of instrument resolution and multiple scattering. Here we provide an overview of the recent developments and new features of MCViNE since its initial introduction (Jiao et al 2016 Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res., Sect. A 810, 86–99), and some example applications.
Highlights
Several general-purpose Monte Carlo (MC) neutron ray-tracing simulation packages were developed and optimized in the 1990s to help design neutron instruments, including McStas [2], Vitess [3], and IDEAS [4]
Development of the MCViNE [1] (Monte Carlo Virtual Neutron Experiment) software package was started a decade ago, as it was difficult with the traditional neutron ray-tracing packages such as McStas to include complex, realistic samples and sample environments in raytracing simulations
The design goal for MCViNE was to allow for virtual neutron experiments with realistic samples
Summary
Several general-purpose Monte Carlo (MC) neutron ray-tracing simulation packages were developed and optimized in the 1990s to help design neutron instruments, including McStas [2], Vitess [3], and IDEAS [4]. These MC software packages simulate a neutron instrument by tracing neutrons through a linear chain of neutron optical components. Monte Carlo neutron ray-tracing can take into account the details of instrument beam formation, the effects of the sample shape and scattering/absorption cross sections, and the detector geometry. MCViNE is used in simulating QIKR, a future reflectometer at STS
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