MadGraph5 is a widely used open-source tool in the field of high-energy physics, designed to simulate and analyze particle collision processes based on quantum field theory. It enables users to automatically generate Feynman diagrams, calculate matrix elements, and produce event samples for a wide variety of particle interactions.
This software supports simulations within the Standard Model as well as a broad range of Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) scenarios, allowing us to explore both known and hypothetical physics processes. Users can specify the initial and final states of particles (including composite states, such as protons); MadGraph5 will handle the underlying calculations required to model the interactions.
Its Python-based architecture and interactive command-line interface make it accessible for beginners, while offering extensive customization options for advanced users. In this link, you may access the main web. Here, you can also explore its GitHub site.
Additional software requirements:
download, installation and further tips
We will need to run MG5 on a Linux/Unix system terminal. If you have a Linux PC (100%CL) or a Mac then (most likely, 99%CL) you already have a Linux/Unix terminal installed.
You will also need to have Python installed and available in this Linux/Unix system.
WINDOWS
Otherwise, if you have a Windows system then you have several alternatives:
Option 1.) Create a Virtual Machine with a Linux system:
- Download and install e.g. the VM Box software from this Oracle link. This will allow us to recreate an empty computer within our computer.
- Download e.g. the Ubuntu Linux system installer from this link. Click on " Download 22.04.4 LTS ISO image, 4.7GB " to download the ISO file with the image of the installer.
Notice: this is a 5GB file so it can take long to download; do not wait till you are at class to get the file!!!
- Open now VM-Box and create a new virtual computer. Create it with the necessary CPU, RAM and disk to run the Mathematica codes (if you want to use the other elements of the course at the same time). $ cores, 8 GB and a 25 GB disk should be in principle enough. You will also be required to provide the ISO file with installer of the system you would like to install in your virtual computer. Use the ubuntu-22.04.4-desktop-amd64.iso you previously downloaded.
- Within VM-Box, now switch on your newly created virtual computer. Note that it can take a while to complete the installation the first time you boot (as it happens with a standard computer). Furthermore, it may take some time to update the installed software to the last versions.
Option 2.) Install a native Linux subsystem in your Windows 10/11:
- For Windows 10 (and actually optimized for Windows 11) has a native Linux system: WSL (link). Microsoft has really made the installation and use very simple in these Windows 10/11 versions.
- Note that you can easily choose and install your favourite Linux: Ubuntu, SUSE, Devian, Scientific Linux...