3.1.8. Data: read response file and spectrum

3.1.8.1. Overview

In order to fit an observed spectrum, SPEX needs a spectral data file and a response matrix. These data are stored in FITS format, tailored for SPEX (see section Response formats). The data files need not necessarily be located in the same directory, one can also give a pathname plus filename in this command.

Warning

Filenames should be entered in the data command without their extension. For the files response.res and spectrum.spo, the data command would look like: data response spectrum.

3.1.8.2. Syntax

The following syntax rules apply:

data #a1 #a2 : Read response matrix #a1 and spectrum #a2

data delete instrument #i : Remove instrument #i from the data set

data merge sum #i: : Merge instruments in range #i: to a single spectrum and response matrix, by adding the data and matrices

data merge aver #i: : Merge instruments in range #i: to a single spectrum and response matrix, by averaging the data and matrices

data save #i #a [overwrite] : Save data #a from instrument #i with the option to overwrite the existent file. SPEX automatically tags the .spo extension to the given file name. No response file is saved.

data show : Shows the data input given, as well as the count (rates) for source and background, the energy range for which there is data the response groups and data channels. Also the integration time and the standard plotting options are given.

3.1.8.3. Examples

data mosresp mosspec : read a spectral response file named mosresp.res and the corresponding spectral file mosspec.spo. Hint, although 2 different names are used here for ease of understanding, it is eased if the spectrum and response file have the same name, with the appropriate extension.

data delete instrument 1 : delete the first instrument

data merge aver 3:5 : merge instruments 3–5 into a single new instrument 3 (replacing the old instrument 3), by averaging the spectra. Spectra 3–5 could be spectra taken with the same instrument at different epochs.

data merge sum 1:2 : add spectra of instruments 1–2 into a single new instrument 1 (replacing the old instrument 1), by adding the spectra. Useful for example in combining XMM-Newton MOS1 and MOS2 spectra.

data save 1 mydata : Saves the data from instrument 1 in the working directory under the filename of mydata.spo

data /mydir/data/mosresp /mydir/data/mosspec : read the spectrum and response from the directory /mydir/data/