The goal of this study is to find a prescription for defining parton distributions (PDFs) which are most appropriate for use in those codes where only LO matrix elements (MEs) are used, as in many Monte Carlo generators. We describe a modification of LO PDFs, based on using alpha_S at NLO, a specific prescription of the coupling in the QCD evolution, and violation of the momentum sum rule. We compare results with the truth - the prediction using NLO for both MEs and PDFs, and the standard LO prediction, finding that the modified PDFs generally produce the best results.
Evaluating parton density systematic uncertainties in Monte~Carlo event generator predictions has long been achieved by reweighting between the original and systematic PDFs for the initial state configurations of the individual simulated events. This weighting is now pre-emptively performed in many generators, providing convenient weight factors for PDF and scale systematics -- including for NLO calculations where counterterms make the weight calculation complex. This note attempts a pedagogical discussion and empirical study of the consequences of neglecting the effects of PDF variations on t…
We develop a methodology for the construction of a Hessian representation of Monte Carlo sets of parton distributions, based on the use of a subset of the Monte Carlo PDF replicas as an unbiased linear basis, and of a genetic algorithm for the determination of the optimal basis. We validate the methodology by first showing that it faithfully reproduces a native Monte Carlo PDF set (NNPDF3.0), and then, that if applied to Hessian PDF set (MMHT14) which was transformed into a Monte Carlo set, it gives back the starting PDFs with minimal information loss. We then show that, when applied to a larg…
This article gives an introduction to transverse momentum dependent (TMD) parton distribution functions and their use in shower Monte Carlo event generators for high-energy hadron collisions, and describes recent progress in the treatment of sea quark effects within a TMD parton-shower framework.
We investigate the Monte Carlo approach to propagation of experimental uncertainties within the context of the established "MSTW 2008" global analysis of parton distribution functions (PDFs) of the proton at next-to-leading order in the strong coupling. We show that the Monte Carlo approach using replicas of the original data gives PDF uncertainties in good agreement with the usual Hessian approach using the standard Delta(chi^2) = 1 criterion, then we explore potential parameterisation bias by increasing the number of free parameters, concluding that any parameterisation bias is likely to be …
Poor computing efficiency of precision event generators for LHC physics has become a bottleneck for Monte-Carlo event simulation campaigns. We provide solutions to this problem by focusing on two major components of general-purpose event generators: The PDF evaluator and the matrix-element generator. For a typical production setup in the ATLAS experiment, we show that the two can consume about 80% of the total runtime. Using NLO simulations of $pp\to\ell^+\ell^-+\text{jets}$ and $pp\to t\bar{t}+\text{jets}$ as an example, we demonstrate that the computing footprint of LHAPDF and Sherpa can be …
We present the MCscales approach for incorporating scale uncertainties in parton distribution functions (PDFs). The new methodology builds on the Monte Carlo sampling for propagating experimental uncertainties into the PDF space that underlies the NNPDF approach, but it extends it to the space of factorisation and renomalisation scales. A prior probability is assigned to each scale combinations set in the theoretical predictions used to obtain each PDF replica in the Monte Carlo ensemble and a posterior probability is obtained by selecting replicas that satisfy fit-quality criteria. Our approa…
Determination of Nuclear PDFs using Markov Chain Monte Carlo Methods
Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences（波兰科学院核物理研究所）；Southern Methodist University（南方卫理公会大学）；Jefferson Lab（杰斐逊实验室）；Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster（明斯特西法利亚威廉大学）
A selection of the latest and most frequently used parton distribution functions (PDFs) is incorporated in Pythia8, including the Monte Carlo-adapted PDFs from the MSTW and CTEQ collaborations. This article examines the differences in PDFs as well as the effect they have on results of simulations and compare with data collected by the CDF experiment. Monte Carlo-adapted PDFs do a better job than leading- and next-to-leading order PDFs for many observables, but there is room for further improvements.
Determination of proton PDF uncertainties with Markov chain Monte Carlo
Institut für Theoretische Physik, Universität Münster（明斯特大学理论物理研究所）；Department of Physics, Southern Methodist University（南方卫理公会大学物理系）；Theory Center, Jefferson Lab（杰弗逊实验室理论中心）；Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences（波兰科学院核物理研究所）
We present a new procedure to determine Parton Distribution Functions (PDFs), based on Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods. The aim of this paper is to show that we can replace the standard $χ^2$ minimization by procedures grounded on Statistical Methods, and on Bayesian inference in particular, thus offering additional insight into the rich field of PDFs determination. After a basic introduction to these technics, we introduce the algorithm we have chosen to implement -- namely Hybrid (or Hamiltonian) Monte Carlo. This algorithm, initially developed for Lattice QCD, turns out to be very i…
We explore connections between two common methods for quantifying the uncertainty in parton distribution functions (PDFs), based on the Hessian error matrix and Monte-Carlo sampling. CT14 parton distributions in the Hessian representation are converted into Monte-Carlo replicas by a numerical method that reproduces important properties of CT14 Hessian PDFs: the asymmetry of CT14 uncertainties and positivity of individual parton distributions. The ensembles of CT14 Monte-Carlo replicas constructed this way at NNLO and NLO are suitable for various collider applications, such as cross section rew…
The sphericity distribution in minimum bias events obtained with PYTHIA event generator, incorporating different parton distribution functions is presented. The results show that for minimum bias pp collisions the sphericity distribution for different parameters like the mean transverse momentum and multiplicity exhibit strong sensitivity on the parton distribution function used. The results indicate that early data at the LHC could be used in this type of analysis to fix the gluon distribution function in the proton.
In global QCD fits of parton distribution functions (PDFs), a large part of the estimated uncertainty on the PDFs originates from the choices of parametric functional forms and fitting methodology. We argue that these types of uncertainties can be underestimated with common PDF ensembles in high-stake measurements at the Large Hadron Collider and Tevatron. A fruitful approach to quantify these uncertainties is to view them as arising from sampling of allowed PDF solutions in a multidimensional parametric space. This approach applies powerful insights gained in recent statistical studies of lar…
We discuss prospects for Monte Carlo event generators incorporating the dynamics of transverse momentum dependent (TMD) parton distribution functions. We illustrate TMD evolution in the parton branching formalism, and present Monte Carlo applications of the method.
We present the Monte Carlo generator Sartre for simulating diffractive exclusive vector meson production and DVCS in electron-proton, electron-ion, and hadron-hadron collisions.
A determination of Parton Distribution Functions (PDFs) from a global fit to a dataset including measurements from the LHC has been performed. The determinations have been carried out according to the NNPDF methodology, leading to a fit minimising parametrisation bias and with an accurate account of PDF uncertainty. In this thesis the importance of QCD measurements at the LHC to PDF extraction are discussed, and we summarise some of the technical difficulties in their inclusion into PDF fits. A number of methods are presented that permit the efficient inclusion of these observables into PDF de…
We illustrate a study based on a veto technique to match parton showers and matrix elements in the Cascade Monte Carlo event generator, and present a numerical application to gluon matrix elements for jet production.
We present a comprehensive new global QCD analysis of polarized inclusive deep-inelastic scattering, including the latest high-precision data on longitudinal and transverse polarization asymmetries from Jefferson Lab and elsewhere. The analysis is performed using a new iterative Monte Carlo fitting technique which generates stable fits to polarized parton distribution functions (PDFs) with statistically rigorous uncertainties. Inclusion of the Jefferson Lab data leads to a reduction in the PDF errors for the valence and sea quarks, as well as in the gluon polarization uncertainty at $x \gtrsim…
This article provides an introduction to the principles of particle physics event generators that are based on the Monte Carlo method. Following some preliminaries, instructions on how to build a basic parton-level Monte Carlo event generator for the hard interaction are given through exercises. Indications on how to proceed to full event simulations are given.
With Run II of the LHC having started, the need for high precision theory predictions whose uncertainty matches that of the data to be taken necessitated a range of new developments in Monte-Carlo Event Generators. This talk will give an overview of the progress in recent years in the field and what can and cannot be expected from these newly written tools.
We present the EpIC Monte Carlo event generator for exclusive processes sensitive to generalised parton distributions. EpIC utilises the PARTONS framework, which provides a flexible software architecture and a variety of modelling options for the partonic description of the nucleon. The generator offers a comprehensive set of features, including multi-channel capabilities and radiative corrections. It may be used both in analyses of experimental data, as well as in impact studies, especially for future electron-ion colliders.
MAJOR 1.5 - A Monte Carlo Generator for Heavy Majorana Neutrinos in $ep$ Collisions
蒙特卡罗发生器{ \sc Major} 1.5模拟了在深度非弹性散射中，重Majorana中微子通过轻子混合或“轻”右手$W$ -玻色子（即$e^{\pm} p \rightarrow {N} X \rightarrow{e}^{\pm} W^{\mp} X$或$ν_e Z X$）交换的产生和衰变。本手册中介绍了物理和编程方面的内容。
TAUOLA is a Monte Carlo generator dedicated to generating tau-lepton decays and it is used in the analysis of experimental data both at B-factories and LHC. TAUOLA is a long-term project that started in the 90's and has been under development up to now. In this note we discuss the status of the predominant hadronic tau-lepton decays into two ($Br \simeq 25.52\%$) and three pions ($Br \simeq 18.67\%$).
We present the Monte Carlo generator tuning strategy followed, and the tools developed, by the MCnet CEDAR project. We also present new tuning results for the Pythia 6.4 event generator which are based on event shape and hadronisation observables from e+e- experiments, and on underlying event and minimum bias data from the Tevatron. Our new tunes are compared to existing tunes and to Peter Skands' new "Perugia" tunes.
ExDiff is a Monte Carlo event generator for simulation of Exclusive Diffractive processes in proton-proton collisions. The present version includes reactions: elastic scattering $pp\to pp$ at 7, 8, 13, 14~TeV; $pp\to p+R+p$, $R = f_0(1710),\, f_2(1950)$ at 13~TeV. In the future versions many processes of Central Exclusive Diffractive Production will be added.
By using predictions from the Pythia 8 Monte Carlo event generator, we determine the energy-dependent turn-over values (pT0) of the partonic cross section for the simulation of multiparton interactions. Since the observed energy dependence of the pT0 values is not well described by a power-law function, we introduce an additional energy-dependent term, to better describe the experimental observations in the energy range sqrt(s) = 0.3-13 TeV. We obtain a similar level of agreement for predictions using various parton densities.
Monte Carlo event generators are essential components of almost all experimental analyses and are also widely used by theorists and experiments to make predictions and preparations for future experiments. They are all too often used as "black boxes", without sufficient consideration of their component models or their reliability. In this set of three lectures we hope to open the box and explain the physical bases behind the models they use. We focus primarily on the general features of parton showers, hadronization and underlying event generation.
