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McStas - A neutron ray-trace simulation package

Introduction to McStas

The McStas neutron ray-tracing simulation package is a versatile tool for producing accurate simulations of neutron scattering instruments at reactors and pulsed spallation sources. McStas is extensively used for design and optimization of instruments, virtual experiments, and user training. McStas is an abbreviation for Monte Carlo Simulation of triple axis spectrometers, but allows for describing and simulating any type of neutron scattering instrument.

For more information see:

• McStas Homepage

• McStas Manual

• McStas and Mantid integration

McStas and Mantid integration

McStas works by assembling a C file from instrument information which is then compiled and can be run to simulate neutron scattering experiments.

When compiled, McStas instrument code is not automatically configured to produce files in NeXus format. Mantid also requires the instrument information it reads to be saved as an Instrument Definition File. Instructions on how to do this can be found on the McStas and Mantid wiki page in the McStas repository.

Once the NeXus data has been generated it can be loaded into Mantid using LoadMcStas v1.

Category: Concepts