3D Radiative Transfer with the SKIRT Code
SKIRT is a state-of-the-art Monte Carlo radiative transfer code for modelling absorption, scattering, and re-emission in complex three-dimensional geometries. The SKIRT code features a wealth of built-in geometries, radiation sources, transfer medium characterisations, spatial grids, and detectors, in addition to various mechanisms for importing models generated by hydrodynamical simulations; with a wide range of astrophysical applications.
Recently, the SKIRT code was extended with a suite of X-ray physics in cold gas and electrons, enabling realistic simulations of X-ray reprocessing in active galactic nuclei, X-ray binaries, and more (Vander Meulen et al. 2023, 2024a, 2024b), including one of the first analyses of XRISM data (Mochizuki et al. 2024). Another recent extension of the SKIRT code is the atomic and molecular excitation processes in the (sub)-mm regime, enabling synthetic line spectra at longer wavelengths (Matsumoto et al. 2023).
This two-day workshop introduces the SKIRT code and offers hands-on guidance for setting up SKIRT simulations, from core concepts to advanced applications. Topics include best practices for setting up spatial grids and wavelength grids, techniques for importing custom transfer media, and a discussion on more advanced simulation options. Ample time will be reserved to discuss individual research projects using SKIRT.
Kinematics in a 3D simulation of an AGN torus seen through the Fe Ka line (Vander Meulen et al. 2024a).
Synthesised images at sub-mm and IR wavelengths for the same AGN torus (Matsumoto et al. 2023).
