Delphes, a framework for fast simulation of a generic collider experiment

TLDR

The paper introduces DELPHES, a C++ framework for fast, multipurpose detector response simulation. DELPHES models tracking, calorimetry, muon, and forward systems within a magnetic field, interfaces with Les Houches or HepMC files, outputs key observables, applies trigger‑like preselection, and visualizes events with FROG, while accounting for detector granularity and resolutions.

Abstract

This paper presents a new C++ framework, DELPHES, performing a fast multipurpose detector response simulation. The simulation includes a tracking system, embedded into a magnetic field, calorimeters and a muon system, and possible very forward detectors arranged along the beamline. The framework is interfaced to standard file formats (e.g. Les Houches Event File or HepMC) and outputs observables such as isolated leptons, missing transverse energy and collection of jets which can be used for dedicated analyses. The simulation of the detector response takes into account the effect of magnetic field, the granularity of the calorimeters and subdetector resolutions. A simplified preselection can also be applied on processed events for trigger emulation. Detection of very forward scattered particles relies on the transport in beamlines with the HECTOR software. Finally, the FROG 2D/3D event display is used for visualisation of the collision final states.