NXlauetof format for NMX data

[aaronfinke]

Executive summary

NMX Data output should be in the nexus-nxmx format

Context and background knowledge

In order to comply with modern data handling and archiving standards for macromolecular crystallography (MX) data, the data output should be in the nexus nxmx format (https://manual.nexusformat.org/classes/applications/NXmx.html). This format is already used at most synchrotron X-ray MX beamlines around the world, and NMX should comply with these standards as much as is possible. The nxmx format is generic to source and is inclusive of neutron MX data. This format is part of the MX "Gold standard" for data, adopted in 2020 after a long deliberation process. https://journals.iucr.org/m/issues/2020/05/00/ti5018/index.html

Inputs

All data properties are detailed here: https://manual.nexusformat.org/classes/applications/NXmx.html

Note that not all fields are required, and is experiment-specific. Others that are labeled "recommended" are absolutely necessary for NMX data processing. Determining which are required for NMX data is ongoing.

Methodology

For the most part, this will require accessing data from e.g. EPICS PVs and parsing them and putting them in the correct format. Some calculations might be required for determination of orientation- this is in progress.

Outputs

Data arranged in the correct format (see above).

Which interfaces are required?

Integrated into reduction workflow, Python module / function

Test cases

We have simulation data from McStas that we can use for testing.

Comments

No response

[aaronfinke]

After discussion, we will change the requested format to the NXLauetof format: https://manual.nexusformat.org/classes/applications/NXlauetof.html

[SimonHeybrock]

That application definition contains required fields such as polar_angle which are kind of deprecated in NeXus. ESS files use NXtransformations. @aaronfinke can you clarify what to do about this?

[aaronfinke]

Polar angle and azimuthal angle for each detector (the center of the detector) can and should be calculated relative to the goniometer position which will have an NXtransformations entry. If it's a spherical coordinate system then the polar angle is theta and the azimuthal angle is phi. I think DIALS is expecting these values so they should be populated.

[SimonHeybrock]

If it's a spherical coordinate system then the polar angle is theta and the azimuthal angle is phi.

Note to implementer: Thistheta is not the theta from Bragg's law, but twice that.