The SWIFT BAT Software Guide Version 6.3 30 ... - HEASARC - Nasa

Chapter 1
Introduction
1.1 Scope
This Guide describes the principles of the processing and reduction of Swift data taken with the
Burst Alert Telescope (BAT). This includes instructions on retrieving and generating the proper
auxiliary data, applying calibrations to the data, selecting sources of interest, and creating final
science products such as images, light curves, spectra and spectral response matrices.
This guide assumes that the data have already been downloaded from the archive and that the
Swift software and calibration data provided in CALDB are installed and initialized. The Swift
BAT software package is a part of HEASOFT, also known as FTOOLS. Updates are distributed
regularly from the FTOOLS web site (http://ftools.gsfc.nasa.gov/).
1.2 The Basic Scheme
Swift data are converted into FITS files at the Swift Data Center (SDC), which also runs a generic
pipeline for gamma-ray burst (GRB) observations. The high level science products resulting from
the pipeline are available in the Swift quick-look area. At present these products are not archived
in the formal archive service, back-up copies for most bursts are available at the quick-look site.
1.3 Organization of this Guide
• Chapter 2 describes the BAT hardware. This information is provided for reference and is not
necessary to know in detail for science analysis.
• Chapter 3 describes the BAT operating modes and data products. The BAT contains a
sophisticated software system, which produces a variety of useful products.
• Chapter 4 introduces the basic concepts of coded aperture analysis, as applied to the BAT
software.
• Chapter 5 provides detailed recipes of how to analyze BAT GRB data.
• Chapter 6 lists analysis issues to be aware of (both current and old).
• Appendix A contains a description of BAT data products and formats.
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