This document is meant as a guide and reference for scientists who are
generally familiar with astronomical X-ray analysis and the Suzaku
instruments and want to use Suzaku data to extract scientific results.
General information on the Suzaku satellite may be obtained from the
Suzaku Guest Observer Facility (GOF) page,
http://heasarc.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/suzaku.
Readers who are not familiar with the Suzaku instruments may wish to
read the technical appendix of the NASA Research Announcement (NRA),
available at:
http://heasarc.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/suzaku/prop_tools/suzaku_td.
This document is intended to familiarize the readers with the standard procedure for Suzaku data analysis. Unusual data modes, complex data reduction methods, and advanced data analysis techniques are outside its present scope but could be added as time progresses.
This version corresponds to the analysis of Version 2 processed data. Users should not use Version 1 processed data or documentation, with the sole exception of Version 1 HXD PIN background files for observations taken during a specific period, as described in section 7.5.1.
The software needed for Suzaku data analysis is described in chapter 2, including instructions for its downloading and installation. In chapter 3 we explain the Suzaku data directory structure, coordinate systems, and file names and formats. In chapter 4 we provide a broad overview of the data analysis flow. Chapter 5 points out important details of the current status of the data analysis and calibration. In chapter 6 and 7 we explain how to analyze data from the X-Ray Imaging Spectrometer (XIS) and Hard X-Ray Detector (HXD) and explain the issues of both analyses. Acronyms used in this document are described in appendix A. Useful email addresses and websites are given in appendix B.