SSLG4: A novel scintillator simulation library for Geant4

This study introduces a new Scintillator Simulation Library called SSLG4 for the Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation package. With SSLG4, we aim to enhance efficiency and accelerate progress in optical simulations within the Geant4 framework by simplifying scintillator handling and providing a rich repository of scintillators. The SSLG4 enables users to quickly include predefined scintillator materials in their simulations without requiring manual definition. The library initially contains 68 scintillators, consisting of 58 organic and 10 inorganic types. Most of these scintillators are selected from the catalogs of several scintillator manufacturers, notably Eljen and Luxium. Other scintillators are included based on their widespread use across various physics domains. The library stores optical data of scintillators in ASCII files with .mac and .txt extensions, enabling users to add, remove, or modify properties of scintillators at runtime of their applications. In addition, we made all the scintillator data available in the library on a dedicated page of our website to ensure convenient access for all users.

Program summary

Program title: SSLG4

CPC Library link to program files: https://doi.org/10.17632/3zbwr5wf7z.1

Developer's repository link: https://github.com/mkandemirr/SSLG4, https://neutrino.erciyes.edu.tr/SSLG4/

Licensing provisions: GNU General Public License 3

Programming language: C++

External routines/libraries: Geant4, CMake, OPSim

Nature of problem: Defining a new scintillator in Geant4 is a cumbersome process for some users due to three main reasons: (1) It requires a lot of data input from users, (2) collecting the scintillator data requires an extensive literature review, and (3) the collected data needs to be converted into the desired format. In addition, the interfaces provided to define a scintillator direct users to embed scintillator data into their source code, resulting in increased code complexity, reduced code readability, and an inefficient working environment.

Solution method: To solve the problems mentioned above, developing and introducing a new library consisting of fully parameterized and ready-to-use scintillators would greatly increase the useability of the Geant4 simulation package for scintillator studies and interest a wide range of scientific communities.