What should I choose as the error on x? (Curve Fitting Matlab)

Click For Summary
The discussion revolves around selecting an appropriate error value for angle measurements in X-Ray diffraction analysis using MATLAB's curve fitting tool. The user has fitted a Gaussian curve to the data and is considering using 95% confidence bounds, standard deviation, or full width at half maximum (FWHM) as potential error metrics. Concerns are raised about the quality of the fits, suggesting that the data may lack sufficient resolution, which could affect the accuracy of the error estimation. Additionally, clarification is requested regarding the specific measurements being taken. Accurate error determination is crucial for reliable analysis in this context.
CuppaMuons
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


So I've done an experiment by scanning over a range of angle and measuring the intensity of X-Rays. There are peaks where I have X-Ray diffraction occurring and in order to do analysis I need to identify the values of angle and an error (as in the plus/minus) on this value.

The Attempt at a Solution


The Peaks are very much like a gaussian so I used the curve fitting tool on MATLAB to fit a gaussian to the data and use the value of b (position of the center of the peak) as my value for angle.

An example fit can be seen here: http://imgur.com/0rm2TeB

Now my problem is what to choose for an error?

The fit returns something called 95% confidence bounds so I tried taking the difference between them and the actual value as the error but it seems a little small for some of the fits which are somewhat poorly shaped.

My only other thoughts would be the Standard Deviation or the FWHM but I'm really not sure what I should use, nor how to justify what I choose.
Any Ideas?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
just a note... looking at your example, you need more resolution for your data. Would it be possible for you to take your test again?

It might get rid of the some of the "poorly shaped fits." its very possible that the fits are poorly shaped due to the fact that you don't have proper data.
 
I'm also confused about what exactly you are trying to measure, can you clarify?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
Replies
28
Views
4K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
1K