grc4f v1.1: a four-fermion event generator for e+e− collisions

Abstract grc4f is a Monte Carlo package for generating e + e − →4-fermion processes in the standard model. All of the 76 LEP-2 allowed fermionic final state processes evaluated at tree level are included in version 1.1 grc4f addresses event simulation requirements at e + e − colliders such as LEP and upcoming linear colliders. Most of the attractive aspects of grc4f come from its link to the GRACE system: a Feynman diagram automatic computation system. The GRACE system has been used to produce the computational code for all final states, giving a higher level of confidence in the calculation correctness. Based on the helicity amplitude calculation technique, all fermion masses can be kept finite and helicity information can be propagated down to the final state particles. The phase space integration of the matrix element gives the total and differential cross sections, then unweighted events are generated. Initial state radiation (ISR) corrections are implemented in two ways, one is based on the electron structure function formalism and the second uses the parton shower algorithm called QEDPS. The latter can also be applied for final state radiation (FSR) though the interference with the ISR is not yet taken into account. Parton shower and hadronization of the final quarks are performed through an interface to JETSET. Coulomb correction between two intermediate W 's, anomalous coupling as well as gluon contributions in the hadronic processes are also included.