An introduction to Bayesian statistics for atomic physicists

Abstract

Abstract We present an introduction to some concepts of Bayesian data analysis in the context of atomic physics. Starting from basic rules of probability, we present the Bayes’ theorem and its applications. In particular we discuss about the limits of classic statistics methods and in which cases a Bayesian analysis is mandatory. Moreover, we show how probability values can be assigned to different possible models (different numbers of peaks, type peak profile, etc.) from the analysis of experimental data.