IXPE Calibration Files

This page contains a summary of the IXPE Calibration files which are currently in the Calibration Database (CALDB). The table links to the latest CALDB tar file and users can download it to install the IXPE CALDB locally.

Instructions for installing the CALDB for IXPE or other missions are available from the CALDB Installation page. The easiest way to access calibration data for IXPE or other HEASARC-supported missions is via remote access, which allows direct access the current HEASARC CALDB without having to install any calibration data locally.

Caldb access for IXPE requires the latest version of the caldb.config file (updated 20220314 or later) which is available at https://heasarc.gsfc.nasa.gov/FTP/caldb/software/tools. Please replace your current $CALDBCONFIG file with this updated version.

Latest IXPE CalibrationVersionRelease Date Tar file
IXPE XRT 20241028 2025-03-14 CALDB tar file
IXPE GPD 20250225 2025-03-14 CALDB tar file

HISTORY of IXPE CALDB releases

Latest News

  • Updates to IXPE tools (31 Mar 2025)
    HEASoft 6.35 has been released and contains updates to the IXPE software tools. Please see the release notes for more details. The HEASoft 6.35.1 patch release contains an update to the extractor tool that is important for IXPE users. Downloads are available from the HEASoft page. IXPE users are recommended to use the latest version of HEASoft for their analysis.
  • IXPE Caldb Updated (14 Mar 2025)
    The IXPE Caldb has been updated for the XRT (version 20241028) and the GPD (version 20250225). Please see the release notes for details. Downloads are available from the IXPE Calibration page. Users can also access the HEASARC IXPE caldb via remote access.
  • IXPE Quick Start Guide Updated (6 Mar 2025)
    The IXPE Quick Start guide has been updated and includes various changes, including demonstrating the use of the ixpepolarization tool.
  • IXPE on the cover of Galaxies (21 Oct 2024)
    IXPE made the cover of the October 2024 edition of Galaxies with a paper on probing magnetic fields in young supernova remnants with IXPE by Pat Slane et al. The work explore how X-ray polarimetry using IXPE provides insights into magnetic field structures and particle acceleration mechanisms in young supernova remnants. This article belongs to a special issue of the journal titled "X-Ray Polarimetry: A New Era Begins with the Imaging X-Ray Polarimetry Explorer"
  • Updates to IXPE tools (04 Sep 2024)
    HEASoft 6.34 has been released and contains updates to the IXPE software tools. This release also includes a new tool for flagging background events. Please see the release notes for more details. Downloads are available from the HEASoft page. IXPE users are recommended to use the latest version of HEASoft for their analysis.