Data reduction methodology for perturbed angular correlation experiments

Data reduction schemes currently used for time differential perturbed angular correlation measurements are evaluated in terms of (i) their relative effectiveness in eliminating irrelevant variables, including single counter efficiencies and spectrum time shifts; and (ii) their effectiveness in putting data in a form that can easily be fitted by theoretical correlation functions. It is pointed out that erroneous conclusions may be derived from improperly reduced data, but that properly analyzed experiments performed at four angles allow a good determination of both the time-dependent and time-independent parts of the correlation function. Correction of data for accidentals, source self-absorption and spectrum livetime differences are discussed.