Particle physics experiments rely extensively on computing and data services, making e-infrastructure an integral part of the research collaboration. Constructing and operating distributed computing can however be challenging for a smaller-scale collaboration. The Light Dark Matter eXperiment (LDMX) is a planned small-scale accelerator-based experiment to search for dark matter in the sub-GeV mass region. Finalizing the design of the detector relies on Monte-Carlo simulation of expected physics processes. A distributed computing pilot project was proposed to better utilize available resources at the collaborating institutes, and to improve scalability and reproducibility. This paper outlines the chosen lightweight distributed solution, presenting requirements, the component integration steps, and the experiences using a pilot system for tests with large-scale simulations. The system leverages existing technologies wherever possible, minimizing the need for software development, and deploys only non-intrusive components at the participating sites. The pilot proved that integrating existing components can dramatically reduce the effort needed to build and operate a distributed e-infrastructure, making it attainable even for smaller research collaborations.
翻译:粒子物理实验广泛依赖计算和数据服务,使电子基础设施成为研究合作的一个组成部分。但建立和操作分布式计算对于规模较小的合作来说具有挑战性。光暗物质过密(LDMX)是一种计划小规模加速器实验,目的是在亚GeV质量区域搜索暗物质。最终确定探测器的设计依靠蒙特-卡洛对预期物理过程的模拟。提议了一个分布式计算试点项目,以便更好地利用合作机构现有的资源,提高可缩放性和可复制性。本文概述了选择的轻型分布式解决方案,提出了要求、组件集成步骤,以及使用大规模模拟试验试验试验系统的经验。该系统尽可能利用现有技术,最大限度地减少软件开发的需要,并在参与的场址只部署非侵入性部件。试点证明整合现有部件可以大大减少建造和操作分布式电子基础设施所需的努力,甚至可以实现规模较小的研究协作。