ATLAS Open Data Analysis Service

Introduction

The ATLAS Open Data Analysis Service, developed by the Elementary Particle Physics Working Group at Göttingen University, provides access to LHC-ATLAS Open Data, analysis tools, and computing resources. It enables high-school and university students, educators, and physics enthusiasts to analyze real ATLAS data and explore advanced topics in High Energy and Particle Physics.

Beyond education, the service fosters new teaching approaches and promotes Citizen Science. The tutorials utilize ATLAS Open Data from 13 TeV proton-proton collisions recorded in 2016 (10 fb⁻¹ integrated luminosity), along with simulated samples modeling signal and background events. More details on data structure and content can be found here.

The ATLAS Open Data Portal

The ATLAS Open Data Portal provides multiple ways for learners to engage with ATLAS Open Data. They can explore data quickly using notebooks, visualize it with the Online Data Analyzer, or take a deep dive path.

Our Service focuses on the deep dive path, designed for students and teachers who require computing resources for multi-session analysis. We utilize a C++ framework featuring 12 analyses of 13 TeV ATLAS Open Data, closely following published ATLAS Collaboration procedures. Details of these analyses can be checked out in the official ATLAS document.

Why Use GoeGrid Computing Resources?

The diagram illustrates the advantage of using the GoeGrid computing cluster for ATLAS Open Data analysis over running it locally on a laptop with limited computing power.

Note: To register for access to GoeGrid, simply Register Now

Understanding HTCondor: The High Throughput Computing System

After registering and obtaining a user account for GoeGrid, take a moment to familiarize yourself with HTCondor, the software framework enabling the execution of your analysis tasks.

HTCondor, developed by the Center for High Throughput Computing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, schedules and runs computing tasks across multiple computers. When a user submits tasks to the HTCondor queue at the Submit/Entry Point, the system schedules and runs them on available Execute Nodes, managing tasks on the user's behalf.

To use HTCondor for executing your analysis, you must define the computing task, known as a “job.” A job consists of three main components:

• Input: The data you want to process.
• Executable Script: The program you wish to run.
• Output: The results of your computation.

These components are defined in a Job Description Language (JDL) file, which is submitted at the Submit Point. The JDL file also specifies output, error, and log files to capture job information. You will find more details about creating and submitting a JDL file in the section below.

Analyzing with GoeGrid Resources

Learn more about HTCondor and how it manages your computing tasks by visiting the official HTCondor website.