XMM-NEWTON EXTENDED SOURCE ANALYSIS SOFTWARE
The XMM-Newton Extended Source Analysis Software, XMM-ESAS, package allows the user to model the quiescent particle background both spectrally and spatially for the EPIC MOS detectors. It will produce background spectra for user-defined regions of the detectors and background images. The output files are FITS standard and can be used in spectral fitting packages (e.g., Xspec) or with FITS image display software (e.g., fv or ds9).
XMM-ESAS was developed at the NASA/GSFC XMM-Newton GOF in cooperation with the XMM-Newton SOC at ESAC and the Background Working Group. The Background Working Group consists of representatives from a number of institutions including the SOC, MPE, Leicester, Saclay, Milan, and GSFC. The focus is on extracting the greatest possible science from EPIC observations of extended sources and the diffuse background. Our goal has been to understand to the various background components experienced by the EPIC detectors, derive methods for modeling and/or removing the backgrounds, produce software to do so, and make the resulting products available to the general community. To aid astronomers, the group has created a web page at the SOC detailing our current understanding of various background components.
The XMM-ESAS package currently consists of both PERL scripts and stand-alone Fortran 77 programs. The PERL scripts in general call SAS tasks requiring SAS to be installed and operational. While XMM-ESAS has been extensively tested, it should still be considered to be in beta-release status. So, if problems arise or if the results look odd, please contact the GSFC GOF Helpdesk at: xmmhelp@athena.gsfc.nasa.gov. Suggestions for improving the software or documentation are also welcome.
Version 2 release, 31 May 2007. Contains updates, improvements, etc. Note that because of the upgrades the tasks are not always backwards compatible so some scripts may break.
Note: eexpmap in SAS V7.1 does not work correctly if CCDs are excluded. This issue is being worked on, but in the meantime we suggest using SAS V7.0 when using XMM-ESAS.
There are several XMM-ESAS files in the package which can be downloaded from GSFC or the SOC.
| GSFC | SOC | Contents |
|---|---|---|
| README | README | Release notes |
| xmm-esas.tar.gz | xmm-esas.tar.gz | XMM-ESAS package including PERL scripts, Fortran code, and required data files |
| xmm-esas.pdf | xmm-esas.pdf | Users manual for the XMM-ESAS package |
| testspec.tar.gz | testspec.tar.gz | Script and resultant files for creating and fitting the temperature radial profile from the observation of Abell 1795 |
| testimage.tar.gz | testimage.tar.gz | Script and resultant files for creating images from the observation of Abell 1795 |
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If you have any questions concerning XMM-Newton send e-mail to xmmhelp@lists.nasa.gov