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arXiv · 2207.10406

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

Andrew R. McCluskey·Andrew J. Caruana·Christy J. Kinane·Alexander J. Armstrong·Tom Arnold·Joshaniel F. K. Cooper·David L. Cortie·Arwel V. Hughes·Jean-François Moulin·Andrew R. J. Nelson·Wojciech Potrzebowski·Vladimir Straostin
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Abstract

Driven by 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, we provide advice 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, and results of any analysis, and the posterior probabilities that are the Bayesian equivalent of the error bar, to enable replicability and improve understanding. We believe that this advice, grounded in our experience working in the field, will enable greater analytical reproducibility among the reflectometry community, as well as improve the quality and usability of results.

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Andrew R. McCluskey, Andrew J. Caruana, Christy J. Kinane, Alexander J. Armstrong, Tom Arnold, Joshaniel F. K. Cooper, David L. Cortie, Arwel V. Hughes, Jean-François Moulin, Andrew R. J. Nelson, Wojciech Potrzebowski, Vladimir Straostin. 2022-07-21. Advice on describing Bayesian analysis of neutron and X-ray reflectometry. https://doi.org/10.1107/s1600576722011426

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