Adjusting tuning parameters for different applications

Overview

To optimize the efficiency of running Monte-Carlo simulations, the tool provides some parameters which control exactly what parts of the physics are used, and how. This page discusses a few typical use cases for various settings.

Use Case 1: Compute effects of direct ionization, excluding details of delta rays

In this type of calculation, which is essentially an extension of a CREME96 HUP run, the intended result is the event rate due to the local effects of LET induced directly along an ion track. This type of calculation does allow many things which Creme96 does not, including weighted sensitive volumes and coincidences.

To achieve this mode of calculation, set the "Secondary Electron Computation Mode" to "Simplified" mode, and leave the "Enable Nuclear Processes" checkbox unchecked. The "Enable Biasing Adjustment" has no effect.

Use Case 2: Compute effects of direct ionization, including details of delta rays

In this type of calculation, one is computing an extension of use case 1. This mode includes much detail in tracking of delta rays, and is important if one needs precise rates in relatively soft devices for which upsets could be induced by ions which are near-misses to sensitive volumes. This mode of computation is much slower than that in the "Simplified" case.

To achieve this mode of calculation, set the "Secondary Electron Computation Mode" to "Detailed" mode, and leave the "Enable Nuclear Processes" checkbox unchecked. The "Enable Biasing Adjustment" has no effect.

Use Case 3: Compute effects from nuclear reaction fragments

In this type of calculation, one is interested in rare, high energy deposition events due to nuclear recoils. For efficiency, one typically turns off fine details in delta ray tracking, which allows one to run many ions in a reasonable amount of time.

To achieve this mode of calculation, set the "Secondary Electron Computation Mode" to "Simplified" mode, and set the "Enable Nuclear Processes" checkbox to be checked.

The "Enable Biasing Adjustment" checkbox should normally be unchecked, resulting in a heuristic algorithm based on the total size of your device being used to compute an appropriate value for this parameter. You can see the value of the parameter chosen in the report from a completed run. If you check this box, you can enter a value. We suggest only doing this in consultation with the code maintainers, since it can provide incorrect results if set too high.