Experimental method and corrections to data

In this paper on experimental method and corrections to data in neutron scattering experiments, we discuss the subtraction of the sample-independent background and the correction of the 'raw data', for absorption and for the sample-dependent background produced by, and multiple scattering in, the sample. One may also have to make other corrections, such as those for extinction or beam polarisation, which are specific to the instrument and the sample used for the experiment. We also show how a spectrometer can be calibrated to give scattering cross sections in absolute units for comparison with theoretical values. (author)