XMM-Newton Data Center at MPE Data Analysis - Introduction

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The MPE Data Center is currently setting up web pages to support the analysis of XMM-Newton data. Analysis is mainly based on the tools that are provided within the XMM SAS (Standard Analysis System). In addition other available software modules have to be used to cover the whole range of analysis task (see " XMM Data Analysis Tools"). There is no specific software environment in which to run the analysis tasks and write own scripts. Frequently users write their scripts in the command language of one of the UNIX shells (see " How to Write Shell Scripts"), or use Perl (see " How to Write Perl Scripts").

Before starting a session the user has to setup the analysis system properly to get the system settings related to the XMM mission.

The XMMSAS is still in the process of being developed. This means that there are still many bugs and problems with these tasks. If you have any problems, please check out the Bugs and Problems page first.

All XMMSAS tasks are listed on the XMMSAS commands page, where you can also get the Postscript files of the task manuals.

The data products that the user receives from the XMM data distribution and archive system for each observation consists of a set of uncalibrated basic data files, so-called ODFs (Observation Data Files, see ODF Structure) and different products of the XMM-SAS (Standard Analysis System) pipeline processing. XMM-SAS uses the calibration database to produce from the ODFs the usual event, attitude, orbit and housekeeping files that are the normal starting points for further analysis.

For an easy entry into data analysis the user may choose to look to the examples provided for typical analysis tasks. All examples have been tested successfully at least with the specified test data files. Please inform us, if you find an example that is not running properly with your data.

It is also recommended to visit the excellent introduction to XMM-Newton data analysis that has been provided by the NASA/GSFC XMM-Newton Guest Observer Facility.

© X-Ray Group at MPE (group)
last update:2008-01-11, editor of this page:Frank Haberl, Dirk Grupe