Templates of expected measurement uncertainties

The covariance committee of CSEWG (Cross Section Evaluation Working Group) estab-
lished templates of expected measurement uncertainties for neutron-induced total, (n,γ), neutron-induced
charged-particle, and (n,xn) reaction cross sections as well as prompt fission neutron spectra, average
prompt and total fission neutron multiplicities, and fission yields. Templates provide a list of what uncer-
tainty sources are expected for each measurement type and observable, and suggest typical ranges of these
uncertainties and correlations based on a survey of experimental data, associated literature, and feedback
from experimenters. Information needed to faithfully include the experimental data in the nuclear-data
evaluation process is also provided. These templates could assist (a) experimenters and EXFOR compilers
in delivering more complete uncertainties and measurement information relevant for evaluations of new
experimental data, and (b) evaluators in achieving a more comprehensive uncertainty quantification for
evaluation purposes. This effort might ultimately lead to more realistic evaluated covariances for nuclear-
data applications. In this topical issue, we cover the templates coming out of this CSEWG effort–typically,
one observable per paper. This paper here prefaces this topical issue by introducing the concept and
mathematical framework of templates, discussing potential use cases, and giving an example of how they
can be applied (estimating missing experimental uncertainties of 235U(n,f) average prompt fission neutron
multiplicities), and their impact on nuclear-data evaluations.