Advice on describing Bayesian analysis of neutron and X-ray reflectometry

As a result of the availability of modern software and hardware, Bayesian analysis is becoming more popular in neutron and X-ray reflectometry analysis. The understandability and replicability of these analyses may be harmed by inconsistencies in how the probability distributions central to Bayesian methods are represented in the literature. Herein advice is provided on how to report the results of Bayesian analysis as applied to neutron and X-ray reflectometry. This includes the clear reporting of initial starting conditions, the prior probabilities, the results of any analysis and the posterior probabilities that are the Bayesian equivalent of the error bar, to enable replicability and improve understanding. It is believed that this advice, grounded in the authors' experience working in the field, will enable greater analytical reproducibility in the work of the reflectometry community, and improve the quality and usability of results. © 2023 The Authors. Open Access published under a CC BY 4.0 licence.

Description

This work was developed as a part of the Open Reflectometry Standards Organisation Workshop in 2022, with contributions from all authors as part of a round-table discussion.

Keywords

Reflectivity, Bayesian statistics, Data, Neutron reflectors, Computer codes, Data analysis, Probability

Citation

McCluskey, A. R., Caruana, A. J., Kinane, C. J., Armstrong, A. J., Arnold, T., Cooper, J. F., .Cortie, D. L., Hughes, A. V., Moulin, J.-F., Nelson, A. R. J., Potrezbowski, W., & Starostin, V. (2023). Advice on describing Bayesian analysis of neutron and X-ray reflectometry. Journal of Applied Crystallography, 56(1), 12-17. doi:10.1107/S1600576722011426

URI

https://apo.ansto.gov.au/handle/10238/15186

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