The Calibration Product Files can be divided into two types. The first is those CPFs that are independent of a specific observation (i.e. for which housekeeping data is not required). These CPFs are primarily a rearrangement of the information contained within the BCFs suitable for a specific purpose within an individual Data Analysis Package. The second type of CPF is that for which housekeeping data is required and hence observation-specific. These CPFs are not strictly part of the HEASARC Calibration Database, as each is associated with specific analysis products file (e.g., a light curve, a spectrum). They will therefore form part of the HEASARC Products Database.

The number and use of the CPFs for a specific instrument may increase as experience dictates. Examples of the type of calibration data included within the CPFs are:

Calibration Updates

In the case of current and future missions, the Calibration Database will be 'live' in the sense that it will be continually updated as necessary. Periodic updates to those BCFs which contain data which explicitly depend on time will obviously be necessary. As the mission progresses, the appropriate files will thus be extended as each new set of calibration measurements becomes available. Updates to the BCFs will also obviously be necessary in the event of an error. However, in all cases, previous (including erroneous) versions of the calibration data will be retained to ease direct comparison of results. The format of the BCFs and CPFs will therefore be such that updates are easily incorporated. In the case of a current mission, the Project/GOF will automatically inform Guest Observers of calibrations updates, and during the proprietary data period will re-release appropriate BCFs and (reprocessed) CPFs. In the case of a past mission, all efforts will be extended to include earlier calibrations into the appropriate databases, although this task will be given a relatively low priority. Notification of calibration updates and a brief description of their impact will be made available on a bulletin board and within future issues of Legacy to enable users to assess their impact on previous results.

Calibration Database Structure & Subroutine Libraries

All the data files within the HEASARC Calibration Database will be in standard FITS format and stored on-line. Users will therefore be able to browse the various calibration data available and extract data. The detailed format of individual files will be defined by the HEASARC in coordination with the various projects currently distributing calibration data. Full advantage will be taken of the similarities between different individual instruments of similar type, and hence make the format of the corresponding calibration files identical wherever possible. However, it is recognized that at some level, the type and format of the calibration data required and available may differ between instruments. This is particularly the case for past missions as some of the information may no longer be available. Full documentation of the format of each calibration file for each instrument will be provided by the HEASARC (see Documentation section below).

To facilitate access to the Calibration Database, a subroutine library will be developed (in ANSI FORTRAN or C) and maintained by the HEASARC. The subroutines will employ the FITSIO package (Pence 1991) and be used by the Stage 2 Calibration Software and the HEASARC supported Data Analysis Packages to return all the calibration results required by the Data Analysis Packages (e.g., the effective area of the instrument at a specific time, energy and detector position). The source code for this library will also be made available for users wishing to develop their own Stage 2 Calibration Software and/or Data Analysis Package.

The Stage 2 Calibration Software

The existence of several updates to the calibration data within the BCFs introduces an added complexity to the construction of the CPFs. By default, the Stage 2 Calibration Software will use the calibration data within the BCFs deemed at the time of processing to be the most appropriate. The resultant CPFs will be sent to the GO in the case of a current mission, and in the absence of later updates, transferred to the HEASARC data archives once the proprietary data period expires. However, the Stage 2 Calibration Software will also be sophisticated enough to allow a user to interactively display and choose between the various alternate calibration measurements available. Hence users may therefore customize their own CPFs. The problems, changes and effects of the various calibrations will be well-documented, to enable users to make optimum use of the information and software.

Documentation

Substantial hard-copy documentation will be provided, and in the case of current and future missions may form part of the Observer's Guide. Its main purpose is to serve as a guide to HEASARC users and staff as to the status of the calibration data of a given instrument, the origin and quality of the data, the detailed contents of the calibration files, and a recipe for the use of the calibration data. The detailed format of each of the calibration files will also be included, as will notes on relevant experiences, problems and worries associated with the calibration of the science data. The guide should be written at a level appropriate for a user with only limited experience in X-ray astronomy, and hence be accessible to users from the general astronomical community. Copies will be made available to the community on request as appropriate. A reduced form of the guide will also be kept on-line.

Implementation Plan

Work is currently underway on locating, reformatting and documenting the Einstein IPC, EXOSAT LE/CMA and ROSAT PSPC calibration data. A draft definition of the formats will be circulated to interested parties in the near future for comments. The subroutine library will simultaneously be developed. Thereafter work will commence on the other datasets for which the HEASARC.has responsibilities, starting with the EXOSAT ME, Einstein HRI and ROSAT HRI. It is anticipated that ASTRO-D data will be distributed in the standard format from the start. The EXOSAT LE Calibration Guide is in preparation and will be used as a guide to the production of the documentation of the other instruments. Anyone wishing to contribute original calibration data or products.and/or experiences, is encouraged to contact the author.

Figure 1 A schematic representation of the calibration dataflow showing the definitions of, and relationship between, the various elements described in the text. In the case of current and future missions, the responsibility for those elements (including documentation) above the dashed line lies primarily with the hardware teams. In the case of past missions, the HEASARC will be responsible for locating and documenting the required information, although a substantial fraction of the necessary knowledge may already have been lost to posterity. The responsibility for those elements below the line jointly lies within the GOF, the HEASARC, and the software teams.

References

Pence, W. 1992, Legacy, 1, 14.

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