Browsing by Author "Newby, R"

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    Round robin sample for neutron reflectometry
    (International Conference on Neutron Scattering, 2017-07-12) Nelson, A; Dura, JA; Majkrzak, CF; Newby, R
    Were a scientist to visit one of the many neutron and X-ray reflectometers in use around the world they would expect that if the same sample were measured on any of those instruments the results derived from the experiment would be comparable and reproducible. Each user measurement relies on many assumptions, including: good calibration of the instrument, valid measurement processes, valid data reduction algorithms, good knowledge of resolution functions, etc. It would be unfortunate if data measured across a class of instruments were not comparable and reproducible as a large body of research into interfaces is underpinned by these techniques. The small-angle neutron scattering community investigated this recently [1], with a series of measurements of a common sample at different facilities, spanning a range of instruments with different design characteristics. This round robin was able to verify the reproducibility and reliability of the instruments taking part, as well as highlighting areas for improvement. We have therefore decided to initiate a similar process for neutron and X-ray reflectometers. To date the project has identified, synthesised, and characterised two suitable samples that lie at opposite ends of the typical size range studied by reflectometry. Here we give a brief overview of these preliminary characterisations, and propose an experimental design and methodology for instruments taking part.