Tree-Code Based Improvement of Computational Performance of the X-ray-Matter-Interaction Simulation Tool XMDYN

Molecules. 2022 Jun 30;27(13):4206. doi: 10.3390/molecules27134206.

Abstract

In this work, we report on incorporating for the first time tree-algorithm based solvers into the molecular dynamics code, XMDYN. XMDYN was developed to describe the interaction of ultrafast X-ray pulses with atomic assemblies. It is also a part of the simulation platform, SIMEX, developed for computational single-particle imaging studies at the SPB/SFX instrument of the European XFEL facility. In order to improve the XMDYN performance, we incorporated the existing tree-algorithm based Coulomb solver, PEPC, into the code, and developed a dedicated tree-algorithm based secondary ionization solver, now also included in the XMDYN code. These extensions enable computationally efficient simulations of X-ray irradiated large atomic assemblies, e.g., large protein systems or viruses that are of strong interest for ultrafast X-ray science. The XMDYN-based preparatory simulations can now guide future single-particle-imaging experiments at the free-electron-laser facility, EuXFEL.

Keywords: FELs; X-rays; molecular dynamics; single particle imaging; tree algorithms.

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Lasers*
  • Proteins*
  • Radiography
  • X-Rays

Substances

  • Proteins

Grants and funding

A.P.M. and B.Z. gratefully acknowledge the funding received from an R&D grant of the European XFEL, with the contribution of IFJ PAN in Krakow.