neutronkitk

NeutronKitk is a software toolkit designed to assist researchers in neutron scattering experiments by providing data processing, simulation, and visualization capabilities. It aims to standardize workflows across instruments and facilities by offering a common interface for data reduction, modeling, and result sharing.

Origin and naming: The name blends 'neutron' with 'kit' and a distinctive trailing 'k' to differentiate from similarly named projects. The project began as an open-source initiative in the mid-2010s by contributors from multiple laboratories and universities, with initial emphasis on time-of-flight data and neutron reflectometry.

Architecture and features: NeutronKitk is modular and plugin-based. The core provides a Python API with optional C++ performance backends. Key features include data import and support for common formats (NeXus, HDF5, TIFF for images), instrument-specific reduction pipelines (TOF, monochromatic), calibration, background subtraction, normalization, and error propagation. It also offers model fitting and simulation tools, including Monte Carlo helpers, and visualization dashboards for reciprocal space maps and S(Q) curves. It supports batch processing, unit tests, and documentation generation.

Usage and impact: The toolkit is used in several facilities for teaching, instrument development, and routine data analysis. It interoperates with other software stacks and data repositories, enabling reproducible research through notebooks and scripted workflows.

Licensing and community: NeutronKitk is released under an open-source license and maintains an active community with forums, issue trackers, and periodic releases.