XMM-Newton Science Analysis System


psfgen (psfgen-1.7.1) [22.0.0-9173c7d25-20250127]

PSF accuracy levels

There are several implementations of the PSF which can be selected with the level parameter.

• ELLBETA This is the most complex PSF implementation and is used in the processing pipeline for source searching and by default in the task arfgen to calculate the effective area. See [1] for more details.

• EXTENDED A model based on the King function which was the forerunner of the ELLBETA model.

• MEDIUM Based on images generated by the XMM-Newton event simulator (SCISIM).

• HIGH An early simple PSF which isn't recommended for general use.

• LOW An early even simpler model which is also not recommended for general use.