XMM-NEWTON EXTENDED SOURCE ANALYSIS SOFTWARE
The XMM-Newton Extended Source Analysis Software, XMM-ESAS which is now (from SAS V9.0 on) a part of SAS, is no longer supported as a stand-alone package. XMM-ESAS allows the user to model the quiescent particle background both spectrally and spatially for the EPIC MOS detectors (and b spring 2010 for the pn). 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 SOC has created web pages detailing the current understanding of various background components.
The additional CCF files which are needed for XMM-ESAS can be found at GSFC.
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.
The XMM-ESAS users guide (still being proofed) can be downloaded from the GOF at: xmm-esas.pdf.
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If you have any questions concerning XMM-Newton send e-mail to xmmhelp@lists.nasa.gov