Abstract
Tools that standardize and automate experimental data collection are needed for greater confidence in research results. The National Synchrotron Light Source-II (NSLS-II) has generated an open-source Python data acquisition, management, and analysis software suite that automates x-ray experiments and collects an experimental record that facilitates complete reproducibility. Here we show that the NSLS-II tools are not only useful for x-ray science at large-scale facilities by presenting an add-on package that adapts these tools for use in a small laboratory with common physics and electrical engineering instruments. The composite software suite eases and automates the execution of experiments, records extensive metadata, stores data in portable containers, and speeds analysis through tools for comprehensive searches. In total, this software suite increases the reproducibility of laboratory experiments. We demonstrate the software via the evaluation of two lock-in amplifiers — the miniature ADA2200 and the ubiquitous SRS SR810. The frequency resolution, signal-to-noise ratio, and dynamic reserve of the lock-in amplifiers are measured and presented. The usage of the software suite is described throughout these measurements so that the reader can implement the tools in their lab.