[NeXus-committee] Proposal for a NeXus TOF raw definition

[Akeroyd, FA (Freddie)]

Over the past few months ISIS, SNS and J-PARC have been having
discussions over a NeXus time-of-flight raw data file format. The idea
for this came out of the NeSSI meeting at LANL last May and the purpose
is to promote the sharing of "first go" data analysis/visulisation
software. With this in mind we have concentrated on common features of
instruments (detectors for example) and left out specialised components
(i.e. what instrument definitions would cover). We have recently split
our work into two definitions: a "single run sit and count" definition
and a "scan" definition. Both of these definitions are on a WIKI at:

http://nexusraw.isis.rl.ac.uk/  

but it is the "sit and count" definition that we are seeking speedier
discussion and ratification for and we would like to have completed in
the next two weeks. The scan definition may take a bit longer and could
either be run in parallel or be started after the "single run" version
is complete if that was felt best. One of the reason for splitting off
the TOF scan definition is that we would like merge into it some of the
work done at the last NIAC meeting on the "Triple axis and
reflectometry" definition which covered scan type experiments.

We are keeping the discussion on this WIKI for now so it does not
clutter up the main nexus site; also I have enabled an "email update"
feature on the WIKI pages that links into the "page watch" facility and
helps speed up discussions. To make this work properly the WIKI needs to
know when you have viewed a page (so it can work out what changes to
tell you about) and the only way to do this is for the WIKI to "force
login" - you will thus need to create an account on the WIKI, but after
doing that once your browser can auto log you in every other time. After
creating an account, please follow the instructions at:
 
http://nexusraw.isis.rl.ac.uk/wiki/UsageGuidelines  

Note that when editing, if you just correct a typo etc. please select
the "this is a minor edit" box before saving - that way people will not
get emailed about that change unless they have specifically requested to
see "minor edits" (which is not the usual default).

We look forward to receiving your input

Freddie Akeroyd
Peter Peterson
Toshiya Otomo