Pluto is a collection of C++ classes, adding up to the framework of a simulation package for hadronic-physics reactions. It is launched interactively from within the ROOT environment, and makes use of ROOT only, without requiring additional packages. The focus is on streamlining particle generators by providing the tools to set up and manipulate particles, reaction channels, and complex reactions, as well as apply experimental filters on the reaction products, such as geometrical acceptance and kinematical conditions. Typical simulations may be executed with a few lines of input, with no expertise required on the part of the user. The output may be analyzed on line, or further processed with GEANT. The package includes models for resonance and Dalitz decays, resonance spectral functions with mass-dependent widths, and anisotropic angular distributions for selected channels. A decay-manager interface enables multi-step ("cocktail") calculations. An extensive particle data base is available, with capabilities to support up to 999 particles, including user-defined ones. Particle properties and decay modes are included in the data base. Thermal distributions are implemented, enabling multi-hadron decays of hot fireballs.
http://www-hades.gsi.de/computing/pluto/html/PlutoIndex.html
