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GATE 10 Monte Carlo particle transport simulation -- Part I: development and new features
Authors:
David Sarrut,
Nicolas Arbor,
Thomas Baudier,
Julien Bert,
Konstantinos Chatzipapas,
Martina Favaretto,
Hermann Fuchs,
Loïc Grevillot,
Hussein Harb,
Gert Van Hoey,
Maxime Jacquet,
Sébastien Jan,
Yihan Jia,
George C. Kagadis,
Han Gyu Kang,
Paul Klever,
Olga Kochebina,
Wojciech Krzemien,
Lydia Maigne,
Philipp Mohr,
Guneet Mummaneni,
Valentina Paneta,
Panagiotis Papadimitroulas,
Alexis Pereda,
Axel Rannou
, et al. (8 additional authors not shown)
Abstract:
We present GATE version 10, a major evolution of the open-source Monte Carlo simulation application for medical physics, built on Geant4. This release marks a transformative evolution, featuring a modern Python-based user interface, enhanced multithreading and multiprocessing capabilities, the ability to be embedded as a library within other software, and a streamlined framework for collaborative…
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We present GATE version 10, a major evolution of the open-source Monte Carlo simulation application for medical physics, built on Geant4. This release marks a transformative evolution, featuring a modern Python-based user interface, enhanced multithreading and multiprocessing capabilities, the ability to be embedded as a library within other software, and a streamlined framework for collaborative development. In this Part 1 paper, we outline GATE's position among other Monte Carlo codes, the core principles driving this evolution, and the robust development cycle employed. We also detail the new features and improvements. Part 2 will detail the architectural innovations and technical challenges. By combining an open, collaborative framework with cutting-edge features, such a Monte Carlo platform supports a wide range of academic and industrial research, solidifying its role as a critical tool for innovation in medical physics.
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Submitted 17 July, 2025; v1 submitted 13 July, 2025;
originally announced July 2025.
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GATE 10 Monte Carlo particle transport simulation -- Part II: architecture and innovations
Authors:
Nils Krah,
Nicolas Arbor,
Thomas Baudier,
Julien Bert,
Konstantinos Chatzipapas,
Martina Favaretto,
Hermann Fuchs,
Loïc Grevillot,
Hussein Harb,
Gert Van Hoey,
Maxime Jacquet,
Sébastien Jan,
Yihan Jia,
George C. Kagadis,
Han Gyu Kang,
Paul Klever,
Olga Kochebina,
Lydia Maigne,
Philipp Mohr,
Guneet Mummaneni,
Valentina Paneta,
Panagiotis Papadimitroulas,
Alexis Pereda,
Axel Rannou,
Andreas F. Resch
, et al. (7 additional authors not shown)
Abstract:
Over the past years, we have developed GATE version 10, a major re-implementation of the long-standing Geant4-based Monte Carlo application for particle and radiation transport simulation in medical physics. This release introduces many new features and significant improvements, most notably a Python-based user interface replacing the legacy static input files. The new functionality of GATE versio…
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Over the past years, we have developed GATE version 10, a major re-implementation of the long-standing Geant4-based Monte Carlo application for particle and radiation transport simulation in medical physics. This release introduces many new features and significant improvements, most notably a Python-based user interface replacing the legacy static input files. The new functionality of GATE version 10 is described in the part 1 companion paper. The development brought significant challenges. In this paper, we present the solutions that we have developed to overcome these challenges. In particular, we present a modular design that robustly manages the core components of a simulation: particle sources, geometry, physics processes, and data acquisition. The architecture consists of parts written in C++ and Python, which needed to be coupled. We explain how this framework allows for the precise, time-aware generation of primary particles, a critical requirement for accurately modeling positron emission tomography (PET), radionuclide therapies, and prompt-gamma timing systems. We present how GATE 10 handles complex Geant4 physics settings while exposing a simple interface to the user. Furthermore, we describe the technical solutions that facilitate the seamless integration of advanced physics models and variance reduction techniques. The architecture supports sophisticated scoring of physical quantities (such as Linear Energy Transfer and Relative Biological Effectiveness) and is designed for multithreaded execution. The new user interface allows researchers to script complex simulation workflows and directly couple external tools, such as artificial intelligence models for source generation or detector response. By detailing these architectural innovations, we demonstrate how GATE 10 provides a more powerful and flexible tool for research and innovation in medical physics.
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Submitted 17 July, 2025; v1 submitted 13 July, 2025;
originally announced July 2025.
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High-count-rate Particle Tracking in Proton and Carbon Radiotherapy with Timepix2 Operated in Ultra-Short Acquisition Time
Authors:
C. Oancea,
A. Resch,
S. Barna,
G. Magrin,
L. Grevillot,
D. Hladik,
L. Marek,
J. Jakubek,
C. Granja
Abstract:
This work investigates the operational acquisition time limits of Timepix3 and Timepix2 detectors operated in frame mode for high-count rate of high deposited energy transfer particles. Measurements were performed using alpha particles from a 241Am laboratory source and proton and carbon ion beams from a synchrotron accelerator. The particle count rate upper limit is determined by overlapping per-…
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This work investigates the operational acquisition time limits of Timepix3 and Timepix2 detectors operated in frame mode for high-count rate of high deposited energy transfer particles. Measurements were performed using alpha particles from a 241Am laboratory source and proton and carbon ion beams from a synchrotron accelerator. The particle count rate upper limit is determined by overlapping per-pixel particle signals, identifiable by the hits per pixel counter > 2, indicating the need to decrease acquisition time. On the other hand, the lower limit is the time required to collect the particle deposited charge while maintaining spectral properties. Different acquisition times were evaluated for an AdvaPIX Timepix3 detector (500 um Silicon sensor) with standard per-pixel DAC settings and a Minipix Timepix2 detector (300 um Silicon sensor) with standard and customized settings the pulse shaping parameter and threshold. For AdvaPIX Timepix3, spectra remained accurate down to 100 us frame acquisition time; at 10 us, loss of collected charge occurred, suggesting either avoiding this acquisition time or applying a correction. Timepix2 allowed acquisition times down to 100 ns for single particle track measurements even for high energy loss, enabled by a new Timepix2 feature delaying shutter closure until full particle charge collection. This work represents the first measurement utilizing Timepix-chips pixel detectors in an accelerator beam of clinical energy and intensity without the need to decrease the beam current. This is made possible by exploiting the short shutter feature in Timepix2 and a customized per-pixel energy calibration of the Timepix2 detector with a larger discharging signal value which allowed for a shorter time-over-threshold (ToT) signal. These customized settings extend the operation of the pixel detectors to higher event rates up to 10^9 particles/cm^2/s.
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Submitted 26 September, 2024;
originally announced September 2024.