MCDST: A Unified Storage Format for Heavy Ion Collision Simulated Data

Abstract

Monte Carlo generators for relativistic heavy–ion collisions have non–standardize output formats. Thus, data that are simulated by different generators require different processing techniques. To resolve this issue, a unified storage format with an interface to read and process data is implemented. Unification should be interpreted as the ability to convert any generator output into discussed format. The presented cross–platform solution, McDst software library, is developed on the object–oriented paradigm using C++ language and CERN ROOT libraries. It is distributed in a form of source code and can be extended by end–user. The structure of the format and use cases for the library are presented.