The application of the NeXus data format to ISIS muon data

Abstract

The NeXus data format was originally developed as a common format for storing data collected during neutron and X-ray experiments. It is based on the freely available and widely used hierarchical data format (HDF) (a portable, binary and extensible format that is self-describing) and many general tools are already in existence to manipulate these files. This paper explores the use of NeXus as a data format for storing ISIS muon data files and considers its more general suitability as a common μSR file format for data storage. The design of the structure and content of the muon NeXus files will be considered and the implementation of a program to convert the present ISIS raw data format to the NeXus format discussed. Finally, plans for the future development of the NeXus data format as a method of storing μSR data will be considered.