Tensorics - A Java library for manipulating multi-dimensional data

Abstract

Accelerator control software often has to handle multi-dimensional data of physical quantities when aggregating readings from multiple devices (e.g. the reading of an orbit in the LHC). When storing such data as nested hashtables or lists, the ability to do structural operations or calculations along an arbitrary dimensions is hampered. Tensorics is a Java library that provides a solution for these problems. A Tensor is a n-dimensional data structure, and both structural (e.g. extraction) and mathematical operations are possible along any dimension. Any Java class or interface can serve as a dimension, with coordinates being instances of a dimension class. This contribution will elaborate on the design and the functionality of the Tensorics library and highlight existing use cases in operational LHC control software, e.g. the LHC luminosity server or the LHC chromaticity correction application